Circumstances surrounding the death of U.S. Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick aren’t clear and should not be politicized, family members said.
“Many details regarding Wednesday’s events and the direct causes of Brian’s injuries remain unknown, and our family asks the public and the press to respect our wishes in not making Brian’s passing a political issue,” Ken Sicknick, the man’s brother, said in a statement. “Please honor Brian’s life and service, and respect our privacy while we move forward in doing the same.”
Sicknick “was injured while physically engaging with protesters,” according to the agency. He was rushed to a hospital but died.
The death is being investigated as a homicide.
In the new statement from the slain officer’s family, Ken Sicknick said his brother was the youngest of three sons, born in South River, N.J. The 42-year-old always wanted to be a police officer and joined the New Jersey Air National Guard as a means to that end, serving overseas.
In addition to asking for privacy, Sicknick said his family “would like to express their gratitude to Brian’s law enforcement family for their kindness, compassion, and support during this difficult time.”
Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle issued condolences to the man’s family.
“Devastating news. Please join me in praying for our fallen Capitol Police officer’s family during this heartbreaking time,” House Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) said.
“Our hearts break over the senseless death of United States Capitol Police Officer Brian D. Sicknick, who was injured in the line of duty during yesterday’s violent assault on the Capitol,” Reps. Tim Ryan (D-Ohio) and Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) wrote in a joint statement. “Our prayers are with his family, friends, and colleagues on the force.”
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) ordered the Capitol flags to be flown at half-mast in honor of Sicknick.
The role of the U.S. Capitol Police is being probed in relation to what happened on Wednesday, as numerous officials expressed confusion as to how officers allowed protesters to breach the Capitol.
U.S. Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund is resigning, effective Jan. 16.
