WASHINGTON, D.C. – Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi has ordered the flags at the Capitol to be lowered to half-staff to honor the police officer who died following Wednesday’s riots.
Officer Brian Sicknick with the U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) died Thursday night due to injuries he sustained while physically engaging with the Pro-Trump mob that stormed the building.
Police say Sicknick collapsed after he returned to his division office from the scene. He was then taken to an area hospital, where he passed away from his injuries.
The officer’s death will be investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department’s homicide branch, the USCP and federal law enforcement.
USCP says Sicknick joined its force in July 2008 and mostly served in the department’s first responder’s unit.
“The entire USCP Department expresses its deepest sympathies to Officer Sicknick’s family and friends on their loss, and mourns the loss of a friend and colleague,” said USCP in a statement.
Pelosi issued a statement about Sicknick’s death Friday morning, sending condolences to his loved ones and saying the perpetrators must be brought to justice. She also said the Capitol’s flag will be lowered in the officer’s honor.
“I have ordered the flags at the Capitol lowered to half-staff in Officer Sicknick’s honor,” wrote Pelosi. “The sacrifice of Officer Sicknick reminds us of our obligation to those we serve: to protect our country from all threats foreign and domestic. May it be a comfort to Officer Sicknick’s family that so many mourn with and pray for them at this sad time.”
Sicknick’s passing brings the death toll from Wednesday’s rioting to five. Three others died from medical emergencies and one was fatally shot by an officer inside the Capitol, officials say.
“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,” said Pelosi in her statement. “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.
