Capitol Policeman Brian D. Sicknick, who died of injuries following the January 6 pro-Trump uprising at the Capitol, will be in the Rotunda next week in honor.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced Friday that Sicknick’s body will arrive at the Capitol on Tuesday at 9:30 p.m. ET for a viewing ceremony for Capitol Police officers at night. On Wednesday morning, congressmen have a viewing period, followed by a tribute from lawmakers.
“The United States Congress is united in grief, gratitude and solemn appreciation for the service and sacrifice of Officer Brian Sicknick,” Schumer and Pelosi said in a statement Friday. “The heroism of Officer Sicknick and the Capitol Police during the violent uprising against our Capitol helped save lives, defend the temple of our democracy, and keep Congress from being distracted from our duty to the Constitution. His Sacrifice reminds us every day of our commitment to our country and the people we serve. ”
“Lying in state” is usually reserved for elected officials, and so Sicknick’s ceremony is referred to as “lying in honor.”
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“May this ceremony and the knowledge with which so many mourn and pray for them be a comfort to Agent Sicknick’s family during this sad time,” said Pelosi and Schumer.
South Carolina Republican Representative Ralph Norman and Senator Tim Scott had pushed for the ceremony earlier this week. On Thursday, they introduced a bill to the House Sergeant at Arms to pay Sicknick’s funeral expenses and put a memorial plaque in the building.
Sicknick’s family thanked Congressional leaders and those who delivered their condolences in a statement Saturday.
“Knowing that our personal tragedy and loss is shared across our country gives hope for a cure,” said the family.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the ceremonies are closed to the general public.
Sicknick, who joined the Capitol Police in 2008 after serving in the New Jersey Air National Guard, sustained a head wound “while in physical contact with protesters,” police said. When he returned to his division’s office, he collapsed and died in a hospital the day after the riot. He was 42.
Sicknick was one of many people who died the attack, which led to the second charge by former President Donald Trump for inciting insurrection.
So far, federal prosecutors have charged at least 172 people for their alleged role in the riot and opened more than 400 investigations into possible criminals. At least 15 of those arrested are veterans and two currently serve in the Army Reserve, according to military service data obtained by CBS News.
Sicknick will be buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
Nikole Killion contributed to this report.