United States Capitol Police Officer Brian D. Sicknick passed away Thursday due to injuries sustained while physically engaging with rioters at the Capitol a day earlier.
According to a statement from Capitol Police, Sicknick returned to his division office and collapsed. He was taken to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
The death will be investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch, the USCP, and federal partners.
Sicknick, a U.S. military veteran, joined the Capitol Police in 2008, and had most recently served in the department’s First Responder’s Unit.
Eighth District Democrat Don Beyer issued the following statement today on the death.
“Officer Brian Sicknick gave his life in the line of duty to keep us safe. I mourn his loss, and send my deepest condolences to his family. His murder multiplies the pain of this dark moment for our nation, and those who brought about this awful crime must be prosecuted and brought to justice.
“Officer Sicknick was 42 years old, a military veteran who went on to serve in the United States Capitol Police for twelve years. He made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting those trapped in the Capitol amid a violent assault on our democracy itself. Like others before him who died in defense of the people’s representatives, he deserves to lie in state.”
Gov. Ralph Northam issued this statement on the death:
“Pam and I are deeply saddened by the death of United States Capitol Police Officer Brian D. Sicknick, a resident of Northern Virginia.
“Officer Sicknick died as a result of injuries sustained during the insurrection at the Capitol on Wednesday. He was 42 years old and a military veteran who had served with the United States Capitol Police for 12 years.
“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.”
Sixth District Congressman Ben Cline issued the following statement:
“Elizabeth and I are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Capitol Police Officer Brian D. Sicknick, who sustained a fatal injury while engaging rioters at the Capitol earlier this week,” Cline said. “Our Nation mourns the loss of Officer Sicknick, who gave his life in defense of the People’s House. Congress stands united in our rejection of the violence that occurred this week, and I continue to urge the swift prosecution of those involved to the fullest extent of the law.”
First District Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) issued the following statement:
“I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of Officer Sicknick. My heart goes out to Brian’s family, friends, and fellow officers at this terrible and tragic loss. Brian died as a result of injuries sustained while defending our government, our Capitol, and our Constitution.
“Officer Sicknick was killed during an attack against the very symbol of our Republic and democratic system of government. His service to our nation, to the Members of Congress, staff, reporters, and fellow officers he protected that day, is immeasurable.
“The people who perpetrated these acts that resulted in the death of Officer Sicknick must be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. What happened on Wednesday in our nation’s Capital is a blemish on this nation and I condemn, in the strongest possible terms, the acts of violence and destruction that occurred at the Capitol building. We may disagree on policy and who we support for President, but this country is built on law and order. We must continue to stand for the great American tradition of peaceful disagreement and debate rather than anarchy and violence.
“My prayers go out to Brian’s family, friends, loved ones, and his fellow USCP officers who put their lives on the line every day in defense of our Republic and seat of government, and in service to our nation.”