A congressional tribute was held in honor of Capitol Police Officer Brian D. Sicknick, who was later laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced that the late Sicknick would lie in honor in the United States Capitol Rotunda, according to a prepared statement from Pelosi’s office dated Jan. 29.
Sicknick joined the U.S. Capitol Police in July 2008 and previously served six years in the New Jersey Air National Guard. The South River native passed away on Jan. 7 from injuries sustained while protecting those at the U.S. Capitol amid the violent assault of Jan. 6, according to the prepared statement.
A ceremonial departure occurred at noon before Sicknick’s interment at Arlington National Cemetery, according to the statement.
“The family of U.S. Capitol Police Officer Brian D. Sicknick thanks the Congressional leadership for bestowing this historic honor on our fallen American hero. We also wish to express our appreciation to the millions of people who have offered their support and sympathies during this difficult time. Knowing our personal tragedy and loss is shared by our nation brings hope for healing,” according to a prepared statement released by the U.S. Capitol Police on behalf of Sicknick’s family, dated Jan. 30.
A ceremonial arrival took place on Feb. 2 on the East Front of the U.S. Capitol. A viewing period commenced for members of the U.S. Capitol Police and continued overnight.
Members of Congress were invited to attend the viewing period on Feb. 3, according to the statement.
“The U.S. Congress is united in grief, gratitude and solemn appreciation for the service and sacrifice of Officer Brian Sicknick,” Pelosi and Schumer said in the joint statement. “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.
“On behalf of the House of Representatives and the Senate, it is our great privilege to pay tribute to Sicknick with this lying-in-honor ceremony,” they continued in the statement. “May this ceremony and the knowledge that so many mourn with and pray for them be a comfort to Sicknick’s family during this sad time.”