Flags to Fly at Half-Staff After Capitol Police Officer’s Death

WASHINGTON – Flags will fly at half-staff at the U.S. Capitol to remember the officer who died after he was injured during this week’s riot by Trump supporters, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced Friday.

Officer Brian D. Sicknick died at about 9:30 p.m. Thursday night, a spokeswoman for the Capitol Police Department said.

Eva Malecki, communications director for the U.S. Capitol Police said Sicknick responded to the riots and was injured while physically engaging with protesters. He returned to his division office, but collapsed shortly after arriving there. 

He was taken to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries, she said.

Sicknick joined the Capitol Police in July 2008 and is the fourth member of the force to die in the line of duty since the law enforcement agency was founded 200 years ago. 

He most recently served in the Department’s First Responder’s Unit. His death is now being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch, the USCP, the FBI and the Department of Justice.

“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,” Malecki said.

In a statement, Pelosi extended the House of Representatives’ condolences to Sicknick’s family and loved ones and said “the perpetrators of [his] death must be brought to justice.”

“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,” Pelosi said. “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.

“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,” she said.

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., said Wednesday’s attack on the U.S. Capitol complex was a terrible tragedy for our nation, compounded by the news of the death of U.S. Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick. 

“Officer Sicknick had dedicated himself to protecting the Capitol, those who serve there, and the many constituents and visitors who come to meet with their legislators,” Hoyer said. “His loss will be deeply felt among all of us who work for the American people on Capitol Hill. Those responsible must – and will – be brought to justice.

“As we reflect on Wednesday’s events, let us take time to remember the extraordinary service Officer Sicknick rendered in order to keep Members, staff, and journalists safe. We owe him, and the Capitol Police officers and first responders who allowed us to complete our work for the American people, our deep gratitude,” the Majority Leader said.

Rep. Zoe Lofgren, D-Calif., chair of the House Administration Committee also extended her condolences to Sicknick’s family, saying “His dedicated service protecting our American democracy deserves our most profound gratitude and his death further fuels our resolve to rebuff the forces of violent insurrection in our country.”

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser also expressed her condolences in a statement.

“On behalf of the residents of the District of Columbia, our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and colleagues of United States Capitol Police Officer Brian D. Sicknick,” Bowser said.

“May he rest in peace, and we work tirelessly to honor his service to the Congress and our nation,” she added.