Police Officer Brian Sicknick, killed in action during insurrection, to lie in honor in U.S. Capitol Rotunda

One day after the January 6 riot and insurrection at the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C., the United States Capitol Police (USCP) reported that one of their own died while on duty defending the House.  At approximately 9:30 p.m. on the evening of January 9, United States Capitol Police Officer Brian D. Sicknick died from the injuries he sustained that fateful day.

Officer Sicknick was responding to the riots on Wednesday, January 6 at the U.S. Capitol and was injured while physically engaging with protesters. He returned to his division headquarters where he collapsed.  He was taken to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. 

Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick will lie in honor in the Capitol rotunda from Tuesday evening, Feb 2, to Wednesday morning, Feb 3, before his interment at Arlington National Cemetery. Officer Sicknick was mortally wounded by a rioter at the Capitol Jan 6 who struck him in the head with a fire extinguisher.  ~ NBC Washington

Law enforcement immediately began investigating Sicknick’s death as a homicide.

On January 29, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced that the heroic Capitol Police Officer would lie in honor in the United States Capitol Rotunda.

Officer Sicknick joined the U.S. Capitol Police in July 2008 and previously served six years in the New Jersey Air National Guard.  Officer Sicknick passed away on January 7 from injuries sustained while protecting those trapped in the U.S. Capitol amid the violent assault of January 6.

“The U.S. Congress is united in grief, gratitude and solemn appreciation for the service and sacrifice of Officer Brian Sicknick,” said Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.  “The heroism of Officer Sicknick and the Capitol Police force during the violent insurrection against our Capitol helped save lives, defend the temple of our democracy and ensure that the 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.”

“On behalf of the House of Representatives and the Senate, it is our great privilege to pay tribute to Officer Sicknick with this lying-in-honor ceremony,” continued Speaker Pelosi and Leader Schumer.  “May this ceremony and the knowledge that so many mourn with and pray for them be a comfort to Officer Sicknick’s family during this sad time.”

A ceremonial arrival will take place on Tuesday, February 2 at 9:30 p.m. on the East Front of the U.S. Capitol.  A viewing period will commence at 10:00 p.m. for members of the U.S. Capitol Police and continue overnight.  Members of Congress are invited to attend the viewing period from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 3.

A Congressional Tribute will be held Wednesday morning at 10:30 a.m.  Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the ceremony will be open to invited guests only.  A ceremonial departure will occur at 12:00 p.m. Wednesday before Officer Sicknick’s interment at Arlington National Cemetery.  Additional details will be announced at a later date.

Following his death, the family of Brian Sicknick released the following statement:

There really aren’t enough kind words in any language to describe how sweet Brian was.  He was truly a lovely, humble soul. We are missing him terribly.

He was sweet natured through and through.  Everyone who met him adored him.  He also loved his dachshunds dearly, spoiling them, and ensuring they got the best care possible.

He loved his job with the U.S. Capitol Police, and was very passionate about it.  He also had an incredible work ethic.  He was very serious about showing up to work on time and refused to call out sick unless absolutely necessary.

Our loss of Brian will leave a large hole in our hearts.

The tremendous support we have received from the U.S. Capitol Police, the law enforcement community, and the community as a whole has been overwhelmingly warm and generous.  We’re very grateful for everyone’s kindness during this difficult time.

(Sources: USCP & Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House)

~ Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today   /   Follow Richard on Facebook and Twitter