The police officer who was killed during the riots at the US Capitol will lie in honour at the building next week.
Brian Sicknick, 42, died at the hands of violent Donald Trump supporters who stormed the Washington DC landmark on January 6 and has since been hailed for his heroism.
The New Jersey officer, who was hit over the head with a fire extinguisher, will later be laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery. Two other officers involved in defending the building have since died by suicide, according to American media.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer released a joint statement saying: ‘The heroism of Officer Sicknick and the Capitol Police force during the violent insurrection against our Capitol helped save lives, defend the temple of our democracy and ensure that the Congress was not diverted from our duty to the Constitution. His sacrifice reminds us every day of our obligation to our country and to the people we serve.’
The incident took place as a mob of Trump supporters broke through police lines in an apparent attempt to overturn the result of the US election in the run up to President Joe Biden’s inauguration.
Former President Mr Trump has been impeached for his part in the insurrection and now faces a trial.
Some 140 police officers were injured in the clashes with demonstrators, reports say.
Congress will hold a ceremonial arrival for Officer Sicknick on Tuesday night, after which a viewing period will be held overnight for members of the Capitol Police.
Politicians will pay tribute on Wednesday morning before a ceremonial departure to Arlington.
Officer Sicknick, from South River, enlisted in the National Guard six months after graduating high school in 1997, deploying to Saudi Arabia and then Kyrgyzstan, and joined the US Capitol Police in 2008.
In their joint statement, Mrs Pelosi and Mr Schumer added: ‘On behalf of the House of Representatives and the Senate, it is our great privilege to pay tribute to Officer Sicknick with this lying-in-honour ceremony.
‘May this ceremony and the knowledge that so many mourn with and pray for them be a comfort to Officer Sicknick’s family during this sad time.’
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