PROVIDENCE, RI – Today, after law enforcement announced that the death of U.S. Capitol Police Officer Brian D. Sicknick is being investigated as a homicide, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) issued the following statement:

“I am deeply saddened by the death of Officer Brian Sicknick, an Iraq War veteran and twelve-year veteran of the U.S. Capitol Police, who died in the line of duty while defending the U.S. Capitol from a violent mob.  The perpetrators of Officer Sicknick’s death must be brought to justice and those who incited this angry, violent mob should be held accountable.

“My heart goes out to Officer Sicknick’s family, friends, and loved ones.  He was trying to stop a violent breech of the U.S. Capitol by people with no regard for the law, law enforcement, or our democracy.

“I am truly grateful to the Capitol Police officers who defended the U.S. Capitol and all it represents and I mourn with them over the death of their friend and colleague.

“There is no excuse for the senseless violence and killing that we witnessed this week.  President Trump, Rudy Giuliani, and others will forever bear the guilt of the destructive forces their words and deeds unleashed.

“As a Capitol Police Officer, Brian Sicknick was dedicated to upholding the law.  We can honor him by rigorously pursuing the facts and investigating, getting at the truth, upholding the law, and serving justice.”

Officer Sicknick is the fifth person to have died after a swarm of rioters made their way from President Trump’s speech near the national Mall to the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to stop the counting of Electoral College votes.