Legislation introduced in Congress on Thursday by a pair of Republicans seeks authorization to perform a memorial service in the Capitol for the police officer who died from injuries received during the Jan. 6 breach.
The bills in the House and Senate seek to allow Officer Brian Sicknick, 42, who law enforcement officials say died after being struck with a fire extinguisher during the chaos, to be laid to rest in the Capitol Rotunda — an honor typically reserved for distinguished U.S. leaders and prominent figures. The legislation would also honor the fallen policeman with a plaque near the steps of the building and cover the funeral expenses incurred by Sicknick’s family.
A total of 35 people have been laid to rest in the rotunda, including President Ronald Reagan, Rosa Parks, President Abraham Lincoln, and most recently, former Rep. John Lewis, who died in July. The practice dates back to 1852.
In introducing the bills, South Carolina Rep. Ralph Norman and Sen. Tim Scott, both Republicans, seek to honor Sicknick, a military veteran with more than 12 years as a policeman, “for his courage and sacrifice at the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021.”
“Officer Brian Sicknick risked his life serving our country in uniform overseas, yet he ultimately gave his life defending our Capitol from threats here at home,” Scott told Fox News. “His selfless heroism, and the bravery of all the officers who defended democracy that day, should be honored and remembered. My prayers continue to be with Officer Sicknick’s loved ones and the family members of all our brave law enforcement officers.”
On Jan. 6, thousands of pro-Trump supporters clashed with law enforcement and eventually breached the U.S. Capitol, interrupting the certification of President Biden’s election victory for several hours. Five people were killed, including Sicknick, during the chaos. Sicknick’s death was investigated as a homicide. Two more officers, Howard Liebengood and Jeffrey Smith, died by suicide in the days following the unrest.
The FBI interviewed 37 people suspected of being connected to Sicknick’s death, the bureau said earlier this month.
More than 100 people were arrested in the aftermath of the siege, and federal authorities have opened over 400 subject case files, more than 150 cases with federal charges.
“Brian is a hero, and that is what we would like people to remember,” Sicknick’s older brother, Ken, said, adding that he didn’t want his death politicized.
