08 January 2021

Police officer injured during US Capitol riots dies

08 January 2021

An officer who was injured after responding to riots at the US Capitol in Washington DC has died, US Capitol Police said.

Brian D Sicknick died on Thursday due to injuries sustained while on duty, physically engaging with protesters at the US Capitol, the statement said.

Supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol on Wednesday as Congress was tallying the Electoral College votes to confirm Democrat Joe Biden won the election.

Mr Sicknick returned to his division office and collapsed, the report said.

Supporters of President Donald Trump climb the west wall of the the US Capitol on Wednesday (AP)

During the melee, Mr Sicknick was hit in the head with a fire extinguisher, two law enforcement officials said.

He was taken to hospital and later died.

The death will be investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch, the USCP, and federal law enforcement.

Mr Sicknick joined the Capitol Police in 2008.

Democratic leaders of the House Appropriations Committee said the “tragic loss” of a Capitol Police officer “should remind all of us of the bravery of the law enforcement officers who protected us, our colleagues, congressional staff, the press corps and other essential workers″ during the hours-long takeover of the Capitol by pro-Trump protesters.

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