Brian D. Sicknick, a Capitol Police officer who participated in the defense of the Capitol during a mob attack, died on Thursday night, according to the United States Capitol Police.
“The entire USCP Department expresses its deepest condolences to Officer Sicknick’s family and friends for his loss, and regrets the loss of a friend and colleague,” said a USCP spokesman.
Sicknick’s death was reported prematurely in the early evening, accumulating sympathy notes from members of Congress. He succumbed to his injuries around 9:30 pm
The official’s death brings the death toll from Wednesday’s riot to five. The other four deaths occurred among the protesters, including a woman whom the Capitol Police shot while trying to enter the City Hall and three others who died from unrelated health emergencies, including a heart attack.
“This tragic loss should remind all of us of the bravery of the policemen who protected us, our colleagues, Congress officials, the press and other essential workers yesterday,” Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee Rosa DeLauro
Rosa DeLauroCapitol Policeman dies after riots. Schumer says he will fire Senate arms sergeant as soon as Democrats take control. Chamber Committee Opens Investigation of Mafia Rape at Capitol MORE (D-Conn.) And Chair of the Subcommittee on Legislative Appropriation Tim Ryan
Timothy (Tim) RyanCapitol Policeman dies after riots 1 Capitol Policeman in critical condition, up to 60 hospitalized after riots Schumer says he will fire the Senate weapons sergeant once Democrats take over MORE (D-Ohio) said in a joint statement.
“To honor the memory of Officer Sicknick, we must ensure that the mob that attacked Casa do Povo and those who instigated them are fully accountable,” they added.
DeLauro and Ryan on Thursday opened an investigation into the security breaches that allowed protesters to breach the Capitol.
Congress certified the election overnight, despite objections from some Republicans.
The riot, which Trump provoked, led to numerous calls for Vice President Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment alongside a Cabinet majority to discredit Trump in the last 13 days of his presidency. Democrats also discussed Trump’s impeachment a second time to remove him due to his role in inciting the riot.
Trump released a video on Thursday night acknowledging that a new government would take power on January 20 and repudiating the violent protesters, for whom he expressed love and admiration on Wednesday.
Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund said earlier in the evening that he would resign according to the mayor Nancy Pelosithe demands of (D-Calif.), as well as the Sergeant of Arms of the Chamber and the Sergeant of Arms of the Senate.
The three posts, together with the Capitol Architect, make up the supervisory board of the Capitol Police.