Policeman killed in crowd attack on US Capitol is from NJ

UPDATE: New Jersey native Capitol policeman killed in siege was murdered in a ‘violent uprising’, said Governor Murphy

The policeman killed when a violent crowd of supporters of President Donald Trump invaded the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday is a native of New Jersey, said Governor Phil Murphy.

Brian D. Sicknick, 42, graduated from East Brunswick of Middlesex County Vocational School and grew up in South River, the governor said on Friday when offering condolences to the policeman’s family.

“Officer Sicknick gave his life protecting the United States Capitol and, by extension, our own democracy, from the violent uprising, Murphy said in a statement. “His unnecessary murder at the hands of a crowd committed to overturning the Constitution that he dedicated his life to defending is shocking. It is my fervent hope that the protesters whose actions directly contributed to his death will be quickly identified and brought to justice ”.

Sicknick served six years in the New Jersey National Guard, including two detachments in the Middle East before joining the US Capitol Police in 2008. He was assigned to the U.S. Capitol Police First Respondents Unit.

While in the New Jersey National Guard, Sicknick was a member of the Fire Department and leader of the 108th Security Force Squadron, 108th Wing, at the McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Joint Base, according to the governor.

US Capitol Police said in a statement that Sicknick was injured “while physically engaging with protesters” during Wednesday’s riot. Sicknick, who was pronounced dead at 9:30 pm Thursday, is the fifth person killed because of the confusion. His death will be investigated as a homicide.

Sicknick, a resident of Springfield, Virginia, was hit by a fire extinguisher while trying to protect the United States Capitol, NYTimes.com reported.

Sicknick’s brother told ABC News that his brother died “a hero”.

“Tammy and I send our deepest condolences to Officer Sicknick’s family and friends, as well as his colleagues in the United States Capitol Police and the guards and women who served alongside,” added Murphy. “We thank him for his service to our nation.”

One protester, a woman, was shot dead by the Capitol Police, and there were dozens of arrests. Three other people died after “medical emergencies” related to the rape.

A man from Cape May County was among dozens of detainees in Washington, DC Leonard Guthrie of Lower Township was accused of illegal entry.

The Associated Press contributed to this report. Jeff Goldman can be reached at [email protected].

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