5 people total were killed in the violent and wild United States Capitol raid amongst President Donald Trump supporters on January 6, 2021 in Washington, D.C.
U.S. Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick died after fighting with pro-Trump rioters. Sicknick died on January 7. Ashli Babbitt, 35, also died during the U.S. Capitol raids. Babbitt was shot in the neck while she was trying to climb into a broken window to gain further access into the U.S. Capitol during the siege, NBC News reports. A unidentified police officer killed Babbitt.
Babbitt served 12 years in the Air Force, Air Force Reserves, and Air National Guard as a Security Forces Controller and had the enlisted rank of Senior Airman. Sicknick also served in the United States military as a Airforce National Guard soldier.
President Trump held a rally to contest the presidential election results and ordered the 30,000 member crowd to go to the Capitol building. Once at the Capitol, the Trump supporters got out of control and began throwing objects, bull dosing through police, and eventually penetrating the doors and windows of the Capitol gaining entry.
Sicknick was at the U.S. Capitol preventing President Trump supporters from entering the building. A ruthless mob pulled Sicknick into the crowd and began to beat him, he was even hit in the head with a metal flag pole. Sicknick was able to escape and returned to his division office, where he collapsed.
Sicknick was taken to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries and died. The murder of Sicknick will be investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch and federal authorities.
Sicknick joined the police department in July 2008.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi offered a statement saying:
On behalf of the House of Representatives, I send our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Officer Brian Sicknick, who died after defending the Capitol complex and protecting those who serve and work here. The perpetrators of Officer Sicknick’s death must be brought to justice.
The violent and deadly act of insurrection targeting the Capitol, our temple of American Democracy, and its workers was a profound tragedy and stain on our nation’s history. But because of the heroism of our first responders and the determination of the Congress, we were not, and we will never be, diverted from our duty to the Constitution and the American people.
I have ordered the flags at the Capitol lowered to half-staff in Officer Sicknick’s honor. The sacrifice of Officer Sicknick reminds us of our obligation to those we serve: to protect our country from all threats foreign and domestic. May it be a comfort to Officer Sicknick’s family that so many mourn with and pray for them at this sad time.
As protesters were forcing their way toward the House Chamber where Members of Congress were sheltering in place, a sworn U.S. Capitol police officer discharged their service weapon at Babbitt, shooting her in the neck. Medical assistance was rendered immediately, and Babbitt was transported to the hospital where she later died.
The officer has been placed on administrative leave and their police powers have been suspended pending the outcome of a joint Metropolitan Police Department and U.S. Capitol Police investigation.
A report of two pipe bombs were discovered in the U.S. Capitol building area. A police Hazardous Materials Response Team determined that both pipe bombs were in fact hazardous and could cause great harm to public safety. The devices were disabled and turned over to the FBI for further investigation and analysis.
The U.S. Capitol Police released the following statement:
United States Capitol Police officers and our law enforcement partners responded valiantly when faced with thousands of individuals involved in violent riotous actions as they stormed the United States Capitol Building. These individuals actively attacked United States Capitol Police Officers and other uniformed law enforcement officers with metal pipes, discharged chemical irritants, and took up other weapons against our officers. They were determined to enter into the Capitol Building by causing great damage.
More than 50 U.S. Capitol police sustained injuries during the attack on the United States Capitol. Several officers have been hospitalized with serious injuries.
