January 11, 2021 – In Breaking News – TODAY
He was a veteran who later lamented America’s involvement in Iraq. He lived in suburban Virginia but hailed from a small town in New Jersey, the youngest of three brothers.
And he was serving in his dream job as a police officer when he met his death this week in the chaos and violence that unfolded in the nation’s capital.
U.S. Capitol Police Officer Brian D. Sicknick, 42, died Thursday from injuries he suffered during the pro-Trump riot that breached the Capitol.
(Brian D. Sicknick, 40, was a 15-year veteran of the force, from New Jersey, and died from injuries suffered during Wednesday’s riot at the U.S. Capitol. Courtesy of WHAS11 and YouTube. Posted on Jan 8, 2021.)
He had served overseas in the New Jersey Air National Guard in support of the war in Afghanistan, eventually attaining a lifelong goal of becoming a police officer.
Praise for his service poured in from family and elected officials Friday, and neighbors and co-workers recalled fond memories of his compassionate behavior, “kind face” and love of fishing.
Police have not confirmed the circumstances of Sicknick’s death but said he “was injured while physically engaging with protesters” Wednesday.
He returned to his division office and collapsed, and then was taken to a local hospital where he died around 9:30 p.m. Thursday.
According to two law enforcement officials who spoke to the Associated Press, Sicknick was hit in the head with a fire extinguisher.
‘It strikes at the heart’
Flags were at half-staff in his Sicknick’s hometown of South River, New Jersey, on Friday as police patrolled the family’s neighborhood, which was quiet.
A local church had already designated Friday as a Day of Lamentation, Prayer and Fasting in response to a national crisis, and clergy there were caught by surprise to learn the crisis had hit close to home.
“Here in this small New Jersey town, all of a sudden a national disaster, a national tragedy, comes very close to home,” said the Rev. Gregory Bezilla, rector at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in South River.
“This family is so well-known in the community. The town is in shock, as we all are. It strikes at the heart.”
Continue reading… Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick who died after pro-Trump riot was veteran and war critic
Another Capitol Police Death: Officer Dies By Suicide After Responding To Pro-Trump Riot
January 10, 2021 – In Breaking News – Forbes
A second U.S. Capitol Police officer has died since Wednesday’s storming of Congress by a mob of President Trump’s supporters, authorities reported Sunday.
Initially announced as an “off-duty” death by the U.S. Capitol Police on Sunday morning, multiple news outlets and former police chief Terrance Gainer confirmed that Howard Liebengood, 51, died by suicide on Saturday.
Liebengood, a 15-year veteran of the force, “was among those who responded to the rioting at the U.S. Capitol on January 6,” according to a statement released by the USCP union.
Gainer described Liebengood’s death as a “line of duty casualty” in an interview with CBS News, saying it was no different than the death of fellow officer Brian Sicknick, who died Thursday night from injuries sustained while protecting the Capitol complex.
Liebengood, who was assigned to the Senate Division, is the son of Howard Liebengood (they share the same name), a former sergeant-at-arms and chief security official of the U.S. Senate.
CRUCIAL QUOTE
“This is the second death of a USCP Officer in just two days, with the passing of Officer Brian D. Sicknick on Thursday evening from injuries sustained while on duty during the assault on the Capitol,” said the union.
“Their lives and service will not be forgotten.”
(Paying tribute to brave Capitol police officers put themselves in the line of fire, potentially saving dozens of lives. Courtesy of ABC News and YouTube. Posted on Jun 16, 2017.)
Continue reading… Another Capitol Police Death: Officer Dies By Suicide After Responding To Pro-Trump Riot
If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or text the Crisis Text Line at 741-741.
Editor’s note: Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of U.S. Capitol Police Officers Brian D. Sicknick and Howard Liebengood, both blood and blue.
Thank you for your bravery in serving the citizens of our Nation, with pride and distinction. You will not be forgotten.
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