Lawmakers, leaders offer condolences following the death of Capitol Police officer

U.S. lawmakers and leaders on Friday took to social media and released statements to offer condolences and express their gratitude following the death of Brian Sicknick, a Capitol Police officer who responded to the attacks on the Capitol building Wednesday. 

The United States Capitol Police confirmed that he died from wounds sustained during the attack about 9:30 p.m. on Thursday. He served on the Capitol Police force for 12 years.

Both Democrats and Republicans offered statements to honor Sicknick, and many of them called for those who wounded the late officer to be brought to justice. 

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) ordered the Capitol to fly its flags at half-staff following his death.

“It is with great sadness that I also write to share the news that a twelve-year veteran of the U.S. Capitol Police, Officer Brian Sicknick, died after defending the Capitol complex and protecting all who serve and work here,” Pelosi wrote in a Dear Colleague letter that was released Friday. “The perpetrators of Officer Sicknick’s death must be brought to justice. Five people have now died because of the act of insurrection. This is a stain on our nation’s history”

Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.), who represents Sicknick’s district, called for him to lie in state.

“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,” Beyer said.

In remarks given on Friday, President-elect Joe Biden vowed to bring those responsible for Sicknick’s death to Justice.

“Let me begin by expressing my deep sympathy for the family of Capitol Officer Sicknick, who has died in the line of duty,” Biden said.

“The people responsible should be held accountable — and they will be,” he added.

Vice President Pence, who was forced to evacuate the Senate due to the riots while presiding over election certification proceedings on Wednesday, also offered condolences from himself and his wife. 

Karen and I were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of US Capitol Police Officer Brian D. Sicknick and send our deepest sympathies and prayers to his family, friends and fellow officers.

— Mike Pence (@Mike_Pence) January 8, 2021

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) expressed a similar sentiment in a statement issued Friday.

“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.”

Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) also vowed to bring those responsible for Sicknick’s death to justice.

“The brave men and women of the Capitol Police put their lives on the line defending us from a violent mob Wednesday. Fourteen of them were hospitalized from injuries they suffered while protecting us and now one of them, Officer Brian Sicknick, has died,” Lee said.

“My family and I offer our deepest condolences and prayers to the Sicknick family. My colleagues and I will do everything we can to make sure those responsible for Officer Sicknick’s death are brought to justice,” he said.

Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) also called Sicknick’s death a “heartbreaking tragedy” in a statement.

“Officer Sicknick and the brave men and women of the Capitol Police, and law enforcement from other services, put their lives on the line to defend our nation’s Capitol against lawless violence,” Hawley said. “These acts of violence were criminal. They must be condemned. And they must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. We are forever indebted to the service of Officer Sicknick and his colleagues.”

Sen. Lindsey Graham (S.C.) a top GOP lawmaker on Friday tweeted of the “tragic news” regarding Sicknick’s death. 

“Tragic news that a U.S. Capitol Police officer was killed by domestic terrorists while bravely defending our nation’s capital,” Graham tweeted. “This officer gave his life in defense of our nation, and I hope and expect that the perpetrators will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

Four other people died amid the riot attempting to block Congress from certifying the Electoral College vote. One woman was shot, and three others died after experiencing “medical emergencies.”