A U.S. Capitol Police officer died Thursday from injuries suffered in Wednesday’s pro-Trump riot at the U.S. Capitol, and the department’s chief resigned following withering criticism over his handling of the situation.
In a statement Thursday night, the Capitol Police said Officer Brian Sicknick, a 12-year veteran of the department, was physically injured while battling rioters, and collapsed after returning to division offices. He was hospitalized and died from his injuries around 9:30 p.m. Thursday. According to the statement, his death will be investigated by the D.C. Metropolitan Police’s homicide unit and federal authorities.
There had been confusion, with CNN and other news organizations reporting the death earlier Thursday, only for the Capitol Police to deny that an officer had died yet.
His death brought the toll from Wednesday’s siege to five people: One woman was shot to death by police and three others died from medical emergencies.
Meanwhile, Steven Sund, chief of the Capitol Police, announced his resignation Thursday, after facing blistering criticism for his department’s failure to keep the mob at bay. His resignation is effective Jan. 16.
Read: Capitol Police twice refused offers of aid — once while already under siege
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi had called for Sund’s resignation earlier in the day.
Pelosi also announced the resignation of House Sergeant at Arms Paul Irving, and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell late Thursday announced the resignation of Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Michael Stenger.
