Police officers shed tears as they lined the streets of Washington DC to honor their fallen comrade who tragically died during the Capitol riots.
Officer Brian Sicknick was struck in the head by a fire extinguisher while trying to prevent protesters from entering the Capitol.
The 42-year-old was a veteran with the armed forces. He had also served in the New Jersey Air National Guard as a leader of the 108th Security Force Squadron for six years.
According to Capitol Police, Officer Sicknick was left injured “while physically engaging with protesters.”
“I don’t think Brian had a nasty bone in his body. He just was a good person and wanted the best for everyone around him,” Chief Master Sgt. Lance Endee said in an interview with Fox 29.
“When you are told he died such a horrible death, I was very sad about the whole thing. He really optimized the air force core value of service before self.”
Governor Phil Murphy released a statement and said: “Officer Sicknick gave his life protecting the United States Capitol, and by extension, our very democracy from violent insurrection.
“His needless murder at the hands of a mob bent on overthrowing the Constitution he had dedicated his life to upholding is shocking. It is my fervent hope that the rioters whose actions directly contributed to his death are quickly identified and brought to justice.”
A GoFundMe page set up for Officer Sicknick’s family has raised more than $500,000.
“Officer Sicknick joined the United States Capitol Police in July of 2008 and on his most recent assignment he served on the First Responders Unit,” the page reads.
“Officer Sicknick shared a passion for the outdoors and became a member of the mountain bike unit with Capitol Police, patrolling the grounds daily.
“His fellow officers remember him as someone they could always count on to be there and also could always bring a smile or laugh to them. Brian also shared a love for dogs as many of us at USCP do.”
It adds: “There are no words to describe the loss of Officer Brian Sicknick. He will forever be remembered for his bravery and service to our country as a member of the military and a United States Capitol Police Officer.”
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