Capitol Police Officer Brian D. Sicknick, who died of his injuries following the January 6 pro-Trump uprising at the United States Capitol, will be honored at the Rotunda next week.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced on Friday that Sicknick’s body will arrive at the Capitol on Tuesday at 9:30 pm Eastern time for an exhibition ceremony of the Capitol Police officers during the night. On Wednesday morning, parliamentarians will have an exhibition period, followed by a tribute by lawmakers.
“The US Congress is united in mourning, gratitude and solemn appreciation for the service and sacrifice of Officer Brian Sicknick,” said Schumer and Pelosi in a statement on Friday. “The heroism of Officer Sicknick and the Capitol police force during the violent uprising against our Capitol helped save lives, defend the temple of our democracy and ensure that Congress was not diverted from our duty to the Constitution. His sacrifice reminds us every day of our obligation to our country and to the people we serve. “
“Lying in the state” is usually reserved for elected officials, which is why Sicknick’s ceremony is called “lying in honor”.
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“May this ceremony and the knowledge that so many mourn and pray for them be a comfort to Officer Sicknick’s family during this sad time,” said Pelosi and Schumer.
South Carolina Republican MP Ralph Norman and Senator Tim Scott called for the ceremony earlier this week. On Thursday, they presented a bill to the House’s sergeant-in-arms to pay for Sicknick’s funeral expenses and to place a commemorative plaque on the building.
Sicknick’s family thanked the leadership of Congress and those who sent their condolences in a statement on Saturday.
“Knowing that our tragedy and personal loss is shared by our nation brings hope for a cure,” said the family.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the ceremonies will be closed to the general public.
Sicknick, who joined the Capitol Police in 2008 after serving with the New Jersey National Air Guard, suffered a head injury “while physically engaging the protesters,” the police said. When he returned to his division’s office, he passed out and died in a hospital the day after the riot. He was 42 years old.
Sicknick was one of several people who died in the attack, which led to second impeachment of former President Donald Trump for inciting insurrection.
So far, federal prosecutors have charged at least 172 people for his alleged roles in the riot and opened more than 400 investigations into possible criminals. At least 15 of the prisoners are veterans and two are serving in the Army Reserve, according to military service records obtained by CBS News.
Sicknick will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
Nikole Killion contributed to this report.