A U.S. Capitol Police officer on duty during Wednesday’s coup attempt by Trump supporters died of suicide on Saturday, his family announced.
Officer Howard Liebengood, 51, was assigned to the Senate Division and joined the department in 2005.
Barry Pollack, a lawyer for the Liebengood family, told BuzzFeed News that the officer was on Capitol Hill during the insurrection.
“His death is a tragedy that has deprived us all of a dedicated public servant,” said Pollack. “His family suffered a devastating loss and asks that they have space to suffer in private.”
His death came days after an attempted coup by violent Trump supporters left a fellow Capitol Police officer dead. Officer Brian Sicknick was injured while “physically involved” with protesters and later died in a hospital.
According CBS News, several Capitol police officers threatened to injure themselves in the days after the turmoil.
The union representing the Capitol Police said the service of the dead officers will not be overlooked.
“We are suffering from the death of Officer Liebengood,” said Gus Papathanasiou, chairman of the Capitol Police Working Committee, in a statement. “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.”
Members of Congress also remembered Liebengood.
“He was friendly, professional and dedicated to the job,” said Sen. Roy Blunt in a declaration Domigo. “I appreciate everything he did to keep us safe.”
Deputy Dean Phillips said he regretted Liebengood, but he also asked for responsibility for the flaws in Wednesday’s response.
“Our officers need more than gratitude,” he said in a tweet. “They need authentic and capable leadership and significant support, and I invite my colleagues to join me in demanding this immediately.”
Others also remembered Liebengood as a friendly face inside the Capitol building.