Brian D. Sicknick, a Capitol police officer who took part in the defense of the Capitol during a mob attack, died Thursday night, according to the United States Capitol Police.
“The entire USCP division expresses its deepest condolences to Officer Sicknick’s family and friends over their loss, and mourns the loss of a friend and colleague,” said a USCP spokesman.
Sicknick’s death was prematurely reported earlier in the evening, with members of Congress showing sympathy. He succumbed to his injuries at about 9:30 PM
The officer’s death brings the death toll to five since Wednesday’s riot. The other four deaths were among the rioters, including a woman who was shot by the Capitol Police as she tried to enter the House Chamber, and three others who died from unrelated health emergencies, including a heart attack.
“This tragic loss should remind us all of the courage of the law enforcement officers who protected us, our colleagues, Congressional staff, the press and other vital workers yesterday,” said the chairman of the House Appropriations Committee. Rosa DeLauro
Rosa DeLauroCapitol Police Officer Dies After Riots Schumer Says He Will Fire Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Once Dems Takes Control House Commission Opens Investigation Into Capitol Mafia Violation MORE (D-Conn.) And Appropriations Legislative Branch Subcommittee Chairman Tim Ryan
Timothy (Tim) Ryan Capitol Police officer dies after riots 1 Capitol Police officer in critical condition, hospitalized to 60 after riots Schumer says he will fire senate sergeant once Dems takes control MORE (D-Ohio) said in a joint statement.
“To honor Agent Sicknick’s memory, we must ensure that the mob that attacked the People’s House and those who incited them are held fully accountable,” they added.
DeLauro and Ryan opened an investigation on Thursday into the security holes that allowed the rioters to breach the Capitol.
Congress passed the election overnight despite the objections of some Republicans.
The riot, instigated by Trump, sparked numerous calls for Vice President Pence to join a majority of the cabinet to invoke the 25th Amendment to defend Trump in the last 13 days of his presidency. Democrats have also spoken of impeaching Trump a second time in order to remove him for his role in instigating the riot.
Trump released a video Thursday night in which he acknowledged that a new administration would take power on Jan. 20 and disown the violent protesters for whom he expressed love and admiration on Wednesday.
Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund said earlier in the evening that he would step down in accordance with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi‘s (D-Calif.) demands, as well as the sergeant-at-arms of the house and the sergeant-at-arms of the Senate.
The three positions, together with the Capitol architect, form the board of trustees for the Capitol Police.