Capitol Police officer dies from injuries suffered in riots, federal murder investigation opened

January 8, 2021January 8, 2021 WKXA

wellesenterprises/iStockBy JACK DATE, MARK OSBORNE and EMILY SHAPIRO, ABC News

(WASHINGTON) — The U.S. attorney’s office in D.C. has opened a federal murder investigation into the death of U.S. Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick, who died Thursday night after suffering injuries in the violent siege at the Capitol, three law enforcement sources confirmed to ABC News.

The investigation is being conducted jointly between the FBI and the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department, with cooperation from U.S. Capitol Police.

Acting Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen said in a statement, “The Department of Justice will spare no resources in investigating and holding accountable those responsible.”

Sicknick responded to Wednesday’s riots and “was injured while physically engaging with protesters,” Capitol Police said in a statement. “He returned to his division office and collapsed.”

He was taken to a hospital where he died at 9:30 p.m. Thursday, police said.

Sicknick, 42, had been with the department for 12 years, most recently working as part of the first responder unit.

Sicknick’s death is the fifth connected to Wednesday’s riots, which saw swarms of pro-Donald Trump protesters overwhelm police barricades, surge into the U.S. Capitol and force lawmakers to go into hiding.

Sicknick’s brother said in a statement to ABC News, “After a day of fighting for his life, he passed away a hero.”

“I would like to thank all of his brothers and sisters in law enforcement for the incredible compassion and support they have shown my family,” he added.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has ordered the flags at the Capitol to be flown at half-staff in Sicknick’s honor.

“On behalf of the House of Representatives, I send our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Officer Brian Sicknick, who died after defending the Capitol complex and protecting those who serve and work here,” Pelosi said in a statement Friday.

“The perpetrators of Officer Sicknick’s death must be brought to justice,” Pelosi said. “The violent and deadly act of insurrection targeting the Capitol, our temple of American Democracy, and its workers was a profound tragedy and stain on our nation’s history. But because of the heroism of our first responders and the determination of the Congress, we were not, and we will never be, diverted from our duty to the Constitution and the American people.”

“The sacrifice of Officer Sicknick reminds us of our obligation to those we serve: to protect our country from all threats foreign and domestic,” Pelosi said. “May it be a comfort to Officer Sicknick’s family that so many mourn with and pray for them at this sad time.”

Virginia Democratic Rep. Don Beyer is calling for Sicknick to lie in state in the Capitol Rotunda.

“He made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting those trapped in the Capitol amid a violent assault on our democracy itself,” Beyer said in a statement Friday. “Like others before him who died in defense of the people’s representatives, he deserves to lie in state.”

Gov. Northam said, “Officer Sicknick was killed while doing his job — defending those trapped in the Capitol building amid a violent attack on our democracy. His death is a tragedy, and those responsible must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

“My prayers and those of the entire Commonwealth go to his family, his loved ones, and his fellow officers who work every day to protect the seat of American democracy from those who would seek to destroy it,” Northam said.

The White House’s first comment on Sicknick’s death came Friday morning in a written statement from deputy press secretary Judd Deere.

“Anytime a member of law enforcement dies in the line of duty it is a solemn reminder to us all that they run toward danger to maintain peace,” Deere said. “The President and the entire Administration extend our prayers to Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick’s family as we all grieve the loss of this American hero.”

Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association President Larry Cosume called Sicknick an “American hero.”

“Officer Sicknick and his brothers and sisters in the U.S. Capitol Police were the thin blue line protecting not just our elected officials from violent insurrectionists, but the very heart of American democracy,” Cosume said in a statement. “Political violence in this country in any form is deplorable. We support a full and vigorous investigation and prosecution of all involved in carrying out this heinous assault.”

Cosume added, “We urge the Justice Department to pursue the maximum penalties for the death of this officer and all of the assaults on law enforcement that occurred on that day for anyone responsible for orchestrating, participating, and carrying out Wednesday’s invasion of the U.S. Capitol.”

Other lawmakers reacted overnight to Sicknick’s death, including Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser, who tweeted: “On behalf of the residents of the District of Columbia, our thoughts & prayers are with the family, friends and colleagues of United States Capitol Police Officer Brian D. Sicknick. May he Rest In Peace, and we work tirelessly to honor his service to the Congress and our nation.”

Sen. Ted Cruz, who has been criticized for his attempt to overturn the 2020 election, wrote on Twitter: “Devastating. Heidi and I are lifting up in prayer the family of the U.S. Capitol Police officer who tragically lost his life keeping us safe. He was a true hero. Yesterday’s terrorist attack was a horrific assault on our democracy. Every terrorist needs to be fully prosecuted.”

Sen. Marsha Blackburn tweeted: “I am truly devastated to learn that a Capitol Police officer has died as a result of yesterday’s violence at the Capitol. My heart goes out to the officer, their family, and all of our front line law enforcement that put their lives on the line each day to protect this nation.”

Ohio Rep. Tim Ryan said his heart is broken over the loss and added that Sicknick’s death should serve as a “reminder of the bravery of the law enforcement who protect us every day.”

Rep. John Curtis, R-Utah, wrote: “I am devastated to hear about the passing of U.S. @CapitolPolice Officer Brian Sicknick and extend my deepest sympathy to his family. My staff and I cannot say enough to express our appreciation for his sacrifice to keep us safe.”

“My sincerest condolences to the Sicknick family,” tweeted Rep. Veronica Escobar. “I’m grateful for Officer Sicknick’s service to our country and his work to protect everyone who worked at the Capitol. My heart goes out to his loved ones.”

Rep. Steve Scalise, R-La., tweeted: “Devastating news. Please join me in praying for our fallen Capitol Police officer’s family during this heartbreaking time.”

Four others died in the siege. Three people died of medical emergencies, while a 35-year-old woman, Ashli Babbitt, was shot and killed by Capitol Police while trying to enter a broken window into the House Chamber.

Law enforcement said more than 50 Capitol Police and Metropolitan police officers suffered injuries in the rioting and “several USCP officers have been hospitalized with serious injuries.”

“These individuals actively attacked United States Capitol Police Officers and other uniformed law enforcement officers with metal pipes, discharged chemical irritants, and took up other weapons against our officers,” Capitol Police said. “They were determined to enter into the Capitol Building by causing great damage.”

Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund resigned on Thursday afternoon in the wake of the riots. Several prominent people had called for him to step down, including Pelosi and the head of the police union.

Capitol Police Union Chairman Gus Papathanasiou said in a statement Thursday that officers were “frustrated and demoralized by the lack of leadership.”

“We have several protesters dead, multiple officers injured and the symbol of our Democracy, the U.S. Capitol, desecrated. This never should have happened,” Papathanasiou said in a statement.