“As a sign of respect for the service and sacrifice of the United States Capitol officers, Brian D. Sicknick and Howard Liebengood, and of all Capitol officers and law enforcement officers across this great nation, for the authority vested in me as president of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, hereby, order the flag of the United States to be hoisted half-mast in the White House and in all public buildings and land, in all military posts and stations naval, and on all Federal Government naval vessels in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, January 13, 2021 “, partly reads the President’s proclamation.
The two officers were on duty during Wednesday’s US Capitol insurrection. After hundreds of pro-Trump protesters pushed through the barriers placed along the perimeter of the Capitol, the protesters finally managed to enter the building and the floor of the Chamber was evacuated by the police.
Only after pleading with Congressional aides and allies within the besieged Capitol, did Trump release a video urging protesters to “go home” while still fanning their baseless complaints about a stolen election.
Sicknick was injured while physically engaging the protesters and passed out after returning to his division’s office, the statement said. “He was taken to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries,” according to a statement from the Capitol Police.
Sicknick joined the USCP in July 2008 and, most recently, served in the Department’s First Aid Unit.
“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 Capitol Police.