Fallen Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick’s remains arrived at the US Capitol Tuesday night, where he laid in honor after being killed in the violent insurrection that claimed his life on Jan.6
Sicknick’s family, his law enforcement colleagues and senior congressional members including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer stood at the top of steps of Capitol Hill as the slain officer’s remains were carried into the building around 9:30 p.m.
One officer carrying an urn with Sicknick’s remains inside, and another holding an American flag placed them in the middle of the Capitol Rotunda as everyone took a moment of silence.
Sicknick’s colleagues, one by one, paid their respects and saluted him during the solemn ceremony.
President Biden and first lady Jill Biden also arrived at the Capitol and paid their respects to Sicknick.
The president, wearing a black mask, put his hand on Sicknick’s urn, said a prayer and put his hand over his heart.
“Congress is united in grief and gratitude for the sacrifice of Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick. His heroism helped save lives and protect our democracy,” Pelosi said in a tweet. “Now, he lies in honor in the U.S. Capitol as we pay tribute to his patriotic service.”
Sen. Mitch McConnell, the Senate minority leader, and Rep. Kevin McCarthy, the Republican leader in the House, also paid their respects.
Dozens of Sicknick’s fellow Capitol Police officers paraded through the Rotunda, standing at attention by the urn and offering salutes to their fallen colleague.
There will be a viewing period for Capitol Police overnight, and lawmakers will be able to pay tribute at a ceremony Wednesday morning.
Sicknick returned to Capitol Hill nearly a month after he was bludgeoned with a fire extinguisher as he struggled to contain a mob of supporters of former President Donald Trump, who stormed the building to disrupt the certification of President Biden’s Electoral College victory.
Four others, including Air Force veteran Ashli Babbitt, were also killed in the riot.
The New Jersey native will be buried in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia.
