The FBI identifies the suspect in the death of Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick, sources say

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The theory, as CNN has reported, is that Sicknick got sick from bear spray used by the mob that attacked the Capitol on Jan. 6, and video evidence CNN previously reported on appears to show the attack that could have caused his death.

It remains a difficult matter for investigators and it is not clear what charges they can bring.

In a statement late on Friday, the US Capitol Police noted that the medical examiner’s report on Sicknick’s death was not ready: “We are awaiting toxicology results and continue to work with other government agencies regarding the death investigation.”

Officer Sicknick’s family has asked for privacy during this difficult time and to stop the spread of misinformation about the cause of his death, the statement said. “The Department and the Sicknick family appreciate the outpouring of support for our fallen officer.”

The New York Times first reported that investigators have targeted one suspect but have yet to identify the attacker by name.
CNN previously reported that authorities had thrown it at a handful of suspects and that new video evidence of the attack helped investigators narrow it down.
In police audio played during the impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump in the Senate, agents could be heard shouting during the attack that some members of the violent Capitol crowd sprayed them with bear spray. Republican Senator Mitt Romney of Utah told reporters at the time that Capitol police officer Eugene Goodman, who may have saved the senator from meeting the crowd, had told Romney that “he had to inhale a lot of bear spray and tear gas and that he was nauseous” during sit it out on January 6. The pair had spoken during a break in the process.

Investigators have struggled for weeks to build a federal murder case into Sicknick’s death, digging into video and photos to try to pinpoint the moment when he sustained his fatal injuries. Investigators determined that the initial reports suggesting Sicknick had been hit with a fire extinguisher were untrue, CNN previously reported.

Several people have been accused of assaulting police officers in the weeks following the attack, but not so far in relation to Sicknick. More than 100 other police officers were injured in the melee last month, including at least 15 who had to be included according to court documents.

Sicknick’s body was laid out in honor of the Capitol early this month in an emotional ceremony attended by President Joe Biden, first lady Jill Biden, and congress leaders.

This story has been updated with background information and a statement from US Capitol Police.

CNN’s David Shortell and Ryan Nobles contributed to this report.

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