A Capitol police officer who responded to the turmoil last week led by supporters of President Donald Trump in Washington, DC, died on Saturday, the United States Capitol Police confirmed.
Officer Howard Liebengood, 51, was part of the response when the pro-Trump crowd stormed the United States Capitol building, according to a statement on Sunday from his police union. Liebengood, who joined the USCP in 2005, died out of service and his cause of death was not disclosed.
“We are suffering from the death of Officer Liebengood,” said Gus Papathanasiou, the union president, on Sunday. “Every Capitol police officer puts the safety of others before their own safety, and Officer Liebengood was an example of the selfless service that is the USCP’s trademark. This is a tragic day. “
Bipartisan tributes to Liebengood – including from the former vice presidential candidate, Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., And from the minority leader in the House, Representative Kevin McCarthy, R-Az. – were shared on social media on Sunday, shortly after the announcement of his death.
“For almost 16 years, Capitol Police Officer Howard Liebengood has honorably fulfilled his duty to protect the corridors of Congress,” McCarthy wrote. “Judy and I are praying for Howard’s family and the entire Capitol Hill community while we mourn the loss of a great man.”
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends and colleagues,” said the USCP in announcing Liebengood’s death. “We ask that your family and the privacy of other USCP officers and their families be respected during this deeply difficult period.”
Liebengood’s death follows that of fellow officer Brian D. Sicknick, who died Thursday due to injuries sustained in the riot. Papathanasiou noted that the department also lost a third officer, Eric Marshall, on January 2, after a battle with cancer.
“Their lives and services will not be forgotten,” said Papathanasiou.
