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Capitol Police say reports of officer’s death are wrong

by Niv Elis and Scott Wong - 01/07/21 7:31 PM ET

Media outlets Thursday night incorrectly reported that a Capitol Hill police officer had died during the riot at the Capitol on Wednesday.

“Media reports regarding the death of a United States Capitol Police (USCP) officer are not accurate,” Eva Malecki, communications director for the Capitol Police said in a statement. “Although some officers were injured and hospitalized yesterday, no USCP officers have passed away.”

“We ask that our officers’ and their families’ privacy be respected at this time,” she added. “Should a statement become necessary, the Department will issue one at the appropriate time.”

Police union representatives reportedly told reporters that an officer died Thursday, but later stated that the officer in question would be taken off life support Friday morning.

Lawmakers also tweeted about the alleged death Thursday evening.

NEW: A U.S. Capitol Police officer has died from yesterday’s riot. That makes five known deaths from Trump’s insurrection. We must have accountability.

— Lloyd Doggett (@RepLloydDoggett) January 7, 2021

I’ve been advised a US Capitol Police officer has died of injuries sustained in yesterday’s assault on the Capitol. My heart goes out to the family of the officer and to all who risk their lives every day to protect and serve our communities with dignity and principle.

— Rep. Dean Phillips (@RepDeanPhillips) January 8, 2021

More than 50 officers were injured and 15 hospitalized in the standoff against supporters of President Trump, who breached the Capitol in an attempt to stop Congress from certifying President-elect Joe Biden’s election.

Congress certified the election overnight despite the objections of some Republicans.

The ground-shattering riot has led to numerous calls for Vice President Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment alongside a majority of the Cabinet to defang Trump in the last 13 days of his presidency. Democrats have discussed impeaching Trump a second time to remove him due to his role in inciting the riot.

Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund said earlier in the evening that he would resign in accordance with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s (D-Calif.) demands, as did the House sergeant-at-arms. Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) said he would fire the Senate sergeant-at-arms if he did not resign by the time Schumer became majority leader later in the month.

Updated: 8:45 p.m.

Editor’s note: CNN had initially reported the officer’s death and an earlier version of this story reflected that.