Death of Brian Sicknick

{{Infobox police officer

|image = Brian Sicknick.jpg

|image_upright = 0.7

|alt =

|caption =

|name = Brian Sicknick

|birth_date = {{birth date|1978|07|30}}

|birth_name = Brian David Sicknick

|birth_place = New Brunswick, New Jersey, U.S.

|death_date = {{death date and age|2021|01|07|1978|07|30}}

|death_place = Washington, D.C., U.S.

|resting_place = Arlington National Cemetery

|other_names =

|department = United States Capitol Police

|years = 2008–2021

|known_for = Being a victim of assault during the January 6 United States Capitol attack

|status =

|rank =

|badge =

|shield =

|awards = Presidential Citizens Medal (2023; posthumously)

|alma_mater = University of Phoenix (BS)

|module =

{{Infobox military person

|embed = yes

|embed_title =

|allegiance = United States

|branch = United States Air Force

|serviceyears = 1997–2003

|rank = Staff sergeant

|unit = New Jersey Air National Guard

|battles = {{unbulleted list|Operation Southern Watch|Operation Enduring Freedom}}

}}

}}

Brian David Sicknick (July 30, 1978 – January 7, 2021) was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey to Gladys and Charles Sicknick. He grew up in South River, New Jersey, as the youngest of three sons.{{Cite web |title=Obituary: Brian David Sicknick|url=https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/springfield-va/brian-sicknick-9992015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126053844/https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/springfield-va/brian-sicknick-9992015|archive-date=January 26, 2021|access-date=January 31, 2021|website=Dignity Memorial|language=en}} According to his brother Craig, the Sicknicks were "a non-traditional family, a blend of Jewish and Presbyterian" and celebrated both Christmas and Hanukkah. Sicknick attended East Brunswick Technical High School to study electronics but later aspired to become a police officer.{{Cite news|last=McSwane|first=J. David|date=January 8, 2021|title="This Political Climate Got My Brother Killed": Officer Brian Sicknick Died Defending the Capitol. His Family Waits for Answers.|work=ProPublica|url=https://www.propublica.org/article/officer-brian-sicknick-capitol|url-status=live|access-date=January 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210205132838/https://www.propublica.org/article/officer-brian-sicknick-capitol|archive-date=February 5, 2021}} He graduated in 1997.{{Cite news|last1=Catalini|first1=Mike|last2=Merchant|first2=Nomaan|date=January 10, 2021|title='Brian did his job': Family remembers fallen Capitol officer, military veteran|work=Military Times|url=https://www.militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2021/01/10/brian-did-his-job-family-remembers-fallen-capitol-officer/|url-status=live|access-date=January 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210203063501/https://www.militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2021/01/10/brian-did-his-job-family-remembers-fallen-capitol-officer/|archive-date=February 3, 2021}}File:Brian Sicknick's ANG photo.jpgAfter struggling to find a job as a police officer, Sicknick joined the New Jersey Air National Guard in 1997 to strengthen his background for future applications. He served with the 108th Wing at Joint Base McGuire–Dix–Lakehurst in the 108th Security Force Squadron as a fire team member and leader with the security force squadron. In 1998, he wrote a letter to Home News Tribune, his local newspaper, expressing his skepticism towards America's soft stance against Saddam Hussein.{{Cite news |last1=Diamond|first1=Michael L.|last2=Loyer|first2=Susan|last3=Russell|first3=Suzanne|last4=Tufaro|first4=Greg|date=January 8, 2021|title=NJ hometown 'in shock' after Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick dies in D.C. riot |work=My Central Jersey |url=https://www.mycentraljersey.com/story/news/local/2021/01/08/brian-sicknick-nj-capitol-police-officer-died-dc-riots/6593972002/|url-status=live|access-date=January 31, 2021|archive-date=February 5, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210205194206/https://www.mycentraljersey.com/story/news/local/2021/01/08/brian-sicknick-nj-capitol-police-officer-died-dc-riots/6593972002/}}

Sicknick was deployed to Saudi Arabia to support Operation Southern Watch in 1999 and then to Kyrgyzstan to support Operation Enduring Freedom in 2003. Following the September 11 attacks, Sicknick criticized U.S. motivations for the War in Afghanistan and the government's strategy in the Iraq War. In 2003, he wrote again to Home News Tribune, noting a decline in morale among troops. He was honorably discharged in that same year as a staff sergeant.{{Cite news|last=Pawlyk|first=Oriana|date=January 8, 2021|title=Police Officer Killed in US Capitol Siege Was Air National Guard Veteran, Deployed to Iraq|work=Military.com|url=https://www.military.com/daily-news/2021/01/08/police-officer-killed-us-capitol-siege-was-air-national-guard-veteran-deployed-iraq.html|url-status=live|access-date=January 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210130014932/https://www.military.com/daily-news/2021/01/08/police-officer-killed-us-capitol-siege-was-air-national-guard-veteran-deployed-iraq.html|archive-date=January 30, 2021}}

Sicknick also worked as a school custodian in Cranbury, New Jersey. He later moved to Springfield, Virginia,{{Cite news|last=Hauck|first=Grace|date=January 8, 2021|title=What to know about Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick, who died from injuries after pro-Trump riot|work=USA Today|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2021/01/08/capitol-police-officer-brian-sicknick-dies-riot-what-to-know/6593692002/|url-status=live|access-date=January 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210203201929/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2021/01/08/capitol-police-officer-brian-sicknick-dies-riot-what-to-know/6593692002/|archive-date=February 3, 2021}} and joined the United States Capitol Police in 2008.{{Cite news|last=Ellis|first=Ralph|date=January 9, 2021|title=Capitol Police officer who died when mob stormed the Capitol was proud to serve his nation, family said|work=CNN|url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/08/us/brian-sicknick-death/index.html|url-status=live|access-date=January 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210202084953/https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/08/us/brian-sicknick-death/index.html|archive-date=February 2, 2021}} One of his first assignments at the Capitol was for the first inauguration of Barack Obama in 2009. In 2013, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree from the University of Phoenix. Sicknick was an outspoken supporter of Donald Trump during the 2016 presidential election but those who had met him said his political views "did not align neatly with one political party." Sicknick opposed Trump's impeachment, supported gun control, opposed animal cruelty and was concerned about the national debt. He was remembered by Caroline Behringer, a staffer for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, for comforting her as she returned to work at the Capitol following Trump's 2016 victory.

During the attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, Sicknick was on duty with the Capitol Police outside the Capitol's west side,{{Cite news |last1=Hill |first1=Evan |last2=Botti|first2=David|last3=Khavin|first3=Dmitriy|last4=Jordan|first4=Drew|last5=Browne|first5=Malachy |date=March 24, 2021 |title=Officer Brian Sicknick Died After the Capitol Riot. New Videos Show How He Was Attacked.|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/03/24/us/officer-sicknick-capitol-riot.html|url-status=live|access-date=March 24, 2021|archive-date=March 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210324132359/https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/03/24/us/officer-sicknick-capitol-riot.html}} on the front line facing protesters.{{cite news |last1=Hsu |first1=Spencer S. |last2=Hermann |first2=Peter |date=March 15, 2021 |title=Two arrested in assault on police officer Brian D. Sicknick, who died after Jan. 6 Capitol riot |newspaper=The Washington Post |location=Washington DC |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/legal-issues/two-arrested-in-assault-on-police-officer-brian-d-sicknick-who-died-after-jan-6-capitol-riot/2021/03/15/80261550-84ff-11eb-bfdf-4d36dab83a6d_story.html |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |access-date=March 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210315153340/https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/legal-issues/two-arrested-in-assault-on-police-officer-brian-d-sicknick-who-died-after-jan-6-capitol-riot/2021/03/15/80261550-84ff-11eb-bfdf-4d36dab83a6d_story.html |archive-date=March 15, 2021}} At 2:23 p.m., rioters attempted to breach the police line formed by barricades of bicycle racks. Sicknick and some other officers there were pepper sprayed and became unable to perform their duties for about 20 minutes.{{cite news|first1=Jordan|last1=Fischer|first2=Eric|last2=Flack|url=https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/national/capitol-riots/officer-brian-sicknick-suffered-two-strokes-and-died-of-natural-cases-medical-examiner-says-capitol-riot-julian-khater-george-tanios/65-059aa393-621d-47a1-b4bc-3b01b204f3db|title=Officer Brian Sicknick died of natural causes, medical examiner says|work=WUSA|date=April 19, 2021|access-date=April 21, 2021|archive-date=April 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210421190935/https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/national/capitol-riots/officer-brian-sicknick-suffered-two-strokes-and-died-of-natural-cases-medical-examiner-says-capitol-riot-julian-khater-george-tanios/65-059aa393-621d-47a1-b4bc-3b01b204f3db|url-status=live}} Sicknick retreated, bent over, and used water to wash out his face. Within five minutes of the pepper spray attack, rioters breached the police line and seized control of the west side of the building.

There was no evidence that Sicknick had any injuries or an allergic reaction to the chemical spray, according to a statement by the medical examiner months later.{{cite news |title=Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick died from strokes one day after Jan. 6 riot, D.C. chief medical examiner rules |last=Hermann |first=Peter |date= 2021-04-19 |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/public-safety/brian-sicknick-death-strokes/2021/04/19/36d2d310-617e-11eb-afbe-9a11a127d146_story.html | archive-url = https://archive.today/20210419195146/https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/public-safety/brian-sicknick-death-strokes/2021/04/19/36d2d310-617e-11eb-afbe-9a11a127d146_story.html | archive-date = 2021-04-19 }} Sicknick texted his brother on Wednesday night after the attack, reporting that he had been twice attacked with pepper spray and was in good shape. However, Sicknick later collapsed around 10:00 p.m. at the Capitol{{efn|Accounts of Sicknick collapsing vary. On January 7, the police said, "He returned to his division office and collapsed." the medical examiner said on April 19 that he collapsed at the Capitol.}} and was taken to a local hospital.{{cite web |url=https://www.foxnews.com/us/capitol-police-officer-brian-sicknick-cause-of-death-natural-causes-capitol-riot-examiner |title=Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick died of natural causes after Jan. 6 riot, examiner says |last=Henney |first=Megan |date=April 19, 2021 |website=Fox News |access-date=January 30, 2022 |archive-date=January 31, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220131003831/https://www.foxnews.com/us/capitol-police-officer-brian-sicknick-cause-of-death-natural-causes-capitol-riot-examiner |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=Wise |first=Alana |title=Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick Died Of Natural Causes, Medical Examiner Rules |date=April 19, 2021 |work=NPR |url=https://www.npr.org/2021/04/19/988876722/capitol-police-officer-brian-sicknick-died-of-natural-causes-medical-examiner-ru |access-date=June 19, 2021 |archive-date=June 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210611222229/https://www.npr.org/2021/04/19/988876722/capitol-police-officer-brian-sicknick-died-of-natural-causes-medical-examiner-ru |url-status=live }}{{January 6 United States Capitol attack|expanded=Law enforcement}}

After being in the hospital for almost a day, Sicknick died around 9:30 p.m. on January 7, 2021. Earlier that day, he had two strokes. The strokes were due to a basilar artery blood clot, which caused damage to his brainstem and cerebellum.{{cite web |author1=MacFarlane |first=Scott |date=April 19, 2021 |title=Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick Died of Strokes After Jan. 6 Riot |url=https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/capitol-police-officer-brian-sicknick-died-of-strokes-after-jan-6-riot/2645278/ |access-date=January 28, 2022 |website=NBC Washington |publisher=NBCUniversal Media |agency=Associated Press |archive-date=May 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210519083628/https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/capitol-police-officer-brian-sicknick-died-of-strokes-after-jan-6-riot/2645278/ |url-status=live }}

Sicknick's family had been informed that he was treated for a stroke caused by a blood clot, and had been surviving on a ventilator. Family members drove from New Jersey and had not yet arrived at the hospital when he died. The Sicknick family urged the public and press not to politicize his death.

On the night of his passing, the Capitol Police announced Sicknick's death in a press release stating that "Sicknick passed away due to injuries sustained while on-duty". Months later, the medical examiner reported that Sicknick had no injuries, and died of natural causes.

On April 19, 2021, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of the District of Columbia issued a press release about the death of Sicknick. The release said that the manner of death was natural and the cause of death was "acute brainstem and cerebellar infarcts due to acute basilar artery thrombosis" (two strokes at the base of the brain stem caused by an artery clot).{{cite news |last1=Albert |first1=Victoria |title=Officer Brian Sicknick died of natural causes after defending Capitol on January 6, medical examiner says |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/brian-sicknick-capitol-riot-died-natural-causes/ |access-date=April 25, 2021 |publisher=CBS News |date=April 20, 2021 |archive-date=April 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210425021918/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/brian-sicknick-capitol-riot-died-natural-causes/ |url-status=live }} The term "natural" was used to indicate a death caused by a disease alone; and if an injury contributed to the manner of death, it would not be considered natural.{{efn|From the medical examiner's press release:

"Accident: Used when there is no evidence of intent; an unintentional, sudden, and unexpected death.

Homicide: Death results from the intentional harm of one person by another, including actions of grossly reckless behavior.

Natural: Used when a disease alone causes death. If death is hastened by an injury, the manner of death is not considered natural.

Suicide: Death results from the purposeful attempt to end one’s life.

Undetermined: Used when there is insufficient information to assign another manner."}} It took more than 100 days to release these results from the January autopsy, and the full report was not released to the public.

The chief medical examiner, Dr. Francisco J. Diaz, told The Washington Post that there was no evidence that Sicknick was injured or had an allergic reaction to chemical irritants. Due to privacy laws, he declined to say whether Sicknick had a preexisting medical condition. Dr. Diaz noted that Sicknick had engaged the rioters and said "all that transpired played a role in his condition".

Dr. Cyril Wecht, who was not privy to any official documents and based his opinion solely on media reports, told CNN that he was "shocked" by Diaz's finding, that "natural does not seem like the right fit," and that it "could well be a homicide.” Two neurologists and a cardiologist told CNN that stressful events can conceivably cause the kind of blood clots that lead to strokes.{{cite news|first=Jen|last=Christensen|url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/20/health/sicknick-death-natural-strokes/index.html|title=Sicknick death ruled 'natural' but experts say stress can set off strokes|work=CNN|date=April 20, 2021|access-date=April 24, 2021|archive-date=April 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210424230057/https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/20/health/sicknick-death-natural-strokes/index.html|url-status=live}}

The Capitol Police said it accepted the medical examiner's findings "but this does not change the fact Officer Brian Sicknick died in the line of duty, courageously defending Congress and the Capitol".{{cite news|last=Breuninger|first=Kevin|date=2021-04-19|work=CNBC|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2021/04/19/brian-sicknick-died-of-natural-causes-after-capitol-riot-medical-examiner-rules.html|url-status=live|title=Officer Brian Sicknick died of natural causes day after Capitol invasion, medical examiner rules|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210419211528/https://www.cnbc.com/2021/04/19/brian-sicknick-died-of-natural-causes-after-capitol-riot-medical-examiner-rules.html|archive-date=2021-04-19 |ref=none}}

Accounts of Sicknick's death changed over time, amid an atmosphere of confusion. At first, there were erroneous rumors, and, then, there was incorrect information from the authorities and news media that lasted for months.{{cite web|url=https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/brian-sicknick-fire-extinguisher/|title=Did U.S. Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick Die After Hit With a Fire Extinguisher?|work=Snopes|first=Bethania|last=Palma|date=February 16, 2021|access-date=April 24, 2021|postscript=. Updated April 19, 2021|archive-date=April 29, 2021|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210429021311/https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/brian-sicknick-fire-extinguisher/|url-status=live}}{{r|:4.20Pfact}}

As his condition deteriorated in the hospital on January 7, rumors had begun to circulate of an officer's death. In the afternoon, the U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) issued a statement rebutting such reports.{{cite web |last=Caplan |first=Craig |url=https://twitter.com/CraigCaplan/status/1347352726187991042 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210119041400/https://twitter.com/CraigCaplan/status/1347352726187991042 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2021-01-19 |date=January 7, 2021 |time=5:21 p.m. |title=Capitol Hill Police SPOX }} Within hours of Sicknick's death later that evening, the Capitol Police released another statement saying that Sicknick died "due to injuries sustained while on-duty" while "physically engaging with protesters" at the Capitol. On January 8, the United States Department of Justice published a statement by Acting Attorney General Jeffrey A. Rosen, which attributed Sicknick's death "to injuries he suffered defending the U.S. Capitol, against the violent mob who stormed it". Months later on April 19, the medical examiner reported that there was no evidence that Sicknick had any injuries.

Some initial media reports regarding Sicknick's cause of death were incorrect. On January 8, the Associated Press,{{r|:1.8NJ}} The Wall Street Journal,{{cite news |last1=Duehren |first1=Andrew |work=The Wall Street Journal |title=Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick Dies of Injuries Sustained at Riot |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/capitol-police-officer-brian-sicknick-dies-of-injuries-sustained-at-riot-11610121907 |access-date=May 4, 2021 |date=January 8, 2021 |archive-date=April 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428070744/https://www.wsj.com/articles/capitol-police-officer-brian-sicknick-dies-of-injuries-sustained-at-riot-11610121907 |url-status=live }} and separate stories in The New York Times cited two anonymous law enforcement officials as saying that Sicknick was struck in the head by a fire extinguisher.{{cite news |last1=Santora |first1=Marc|last2=Specia|first2=Megan|last3=Baker|first3=Mike|date=January 8, 2021 |title=Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick Dies from Injuries in Pro-Trump Riot |work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/08/us/brian-sicknick-police-capitol-dies.html|url-status=live|url-access=limited|access-date=February 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210202141731/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/08/us/brian-sicknick-police-capitol-dies.html|archive-date=February 2, 2021 }}{{cite news |last1=Kanno-Youngs|first1=Zolan|last2=Tully|date=January 8, 2021|title=He Dreamed of Being a Police Officer, Then Was Killed by a Pro-Trump Mob|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/08/us/brian-sicknick-police-capitol-dies.html|url-status=live|url-access=limited|access-date=May 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109011156/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/08/us/politics/police-officer-killed-capitol.html|archive-date=January 9, 2021}} Similar reports followed on January 9.{{cite news |last1=Daly |first1=Matthew |last2=Balsamo |first2=Michael |title=Deadly siege focuses attention on Capitol Police |url=https://apnews.com/article/capitol-police-death-brian-sicknick-46933a828d7b12de7e3d5620a8a04583 |access-date=May 4, 2021 |work=Associated Press |date=January 9, 2021 |archive-date=January 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108232040/https://apnews.com/article/capitol-police-death-brian-sicknick-46933a828d7b12de7e3d5620a8a04583 |url-status=live }} Meanwhile, Sicknick's father said Sicknick was pepper-sprayed and hit in the head, reported Reuters on January 10.{{cite news |last1=So |first1=Linda |title=U.S. Capitol police officer who died after violent assault 'loved his job' |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-election-policeofficer-idUSKBN29E0QE |access-date=May 4, 2021 |work=Reuters |date=January 10, 2021 |archive-date=May 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210504131449/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-election-policeofficer-idUSKBN29E0QE |url-status=live }} However, the subsequent autopsy reveled that there was no evidence of any blunt force trauma to Sicknick or any internal or external injuries.{{Cite web |date=2021-04-19 |title=Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick died from strokes one day after… |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/public-safety/brian-sicknick-death-strokes/2021/04/19/36d2d310-617e-11eb-afbe-9a11a127d146_story.html |access-date=2025-01-26 |website=archive.ph |archive-date=April 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210419195146/https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/public-safety/brian-sicknick-death-strokes/2021/04/19/36d2d310-617e-11eb-afbe-9a11a127d146_story.html |url-status=bot: unknown }}

On February 2, the House of Representatives made a reference to the New York Times article about Sicknick's death. A memorandum for the second impeachment trial of Donald Trump stated "The insurrectionists killed a Capitol Police officer by striking him in the head with a fire extinguisher".{{cite web |date=February 2, 2021 |title=Trial Memorandum of the United States House of Representatives in the Impeachment Trial of President Donald J. Trump |url=https://judiciary.house.gov/uploadedfiles/house_trial_brief_final.pdf |page=31 |access-date=June 23, 2021 |archive-date=February 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210202154003/https://judiciary.house.gov/uploadedfiles/house_trial_brief_final.pdf |url-status=live }} On the same day, CNN reported that according to a law enforcement official, medical examiners had not found evidence of blunt force trauma on Sicknick's body. Investigators then thought the reports that Sicknick was injured by being struck with a fire extinguisher were false.{{Cite news|last1=Perez|first1=Evan|last2=Shortell|first2=David|last3=Wild|first3=Whitney|date=February 2, 2021|title=Investigators struggle to build murder case in death of US Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick|work=CNN|url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/02/02/politics/brian-sicknick-charges/index.html|url-status=live|access-date=February 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210205174102/https://www.cnn.com/2021/02/02/politics/brian-sicknick-charges/index.html|archive-date=February 5, 2021}} On February 11, The New York Times reported that "police sources and investigators are at odds" over whether Sicknick had been hit with a fire extinguisher.{{cite news |last1=Schmidt |first1=Michael |last2=Broadwater |first2=Luke |title=Officers' Injuries, Including Concussions, Show Scope of Violence at Capitol Riot |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/11/us/politics/capitol-riot-police-officer-injuries.html |access-date=May 4, 2021 |work=The New York Times |date=February 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210212010307/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/11/us/politics/capitol-riot-police-officer-injuries.html |archive-date=February 12, 2021 }} On February 12, the Times hedged its initial reporting with an update posted to the story{{Cite web |date=2021-02-15 |title=The Times Corrects the Record on Officer Sicknick’s Death, Sort Of |url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/times-corrects-record-officer-sicknick-204024018.html |access-date=2025-01-26 |website=Yahoo News |language=en-US}} and Sicknick's autopsy found no evidence of blunt force trauma or either internal or external injuries.

On February 2, it was reported that investigators were considering a chemical irritant as a possible cause of death. There were false implications by prosecutors that the chemical irritant was bear spray, until April 27 when they said it was pepper spray. On April 19, the medical examiner said that there was no evidence that Sicknick had an allergic reaction to a chemical spray.

In April and May 2021, Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI) sent letters to the acting U.S. Capitol Police chief requesting information on the handling of Sicknick's death. USCP General Counsel Thomas DiBiase replied that the department did not put out a release that Sicknick was assaulted with a fire extinguisher, and that DiBiase was unaware of any communication between the USCP and House Impeachment Managers about Sicknick's death.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ron-johnson-capitol-police-letter-brian-sicknick-death|title=GOP Senator appears to cast doubt that officer's death was related to January 6 attack|last=Van Cleave|first=Kris|work=CBS|date=May 27, 2021|access-date=July 22, 2021|archive-date=July 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210723114808/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ron-johnson-capitol-police-letter-brian-sicknick-death/|url-status=live}}

{{Update section|Note: Tainos had bought the pepper spray used by Khater, and was charged with conspiracy. The bail appeal by his attorney is well written, but I have not found the outcome of that or the case.|date=January 2024}}

In a January 7 press release, the U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) said that Sicknick's death would be investigated. The next day, the USCP opened a homicide investigation into Sicknick's death,{{cite news|last1=Lynch|first1=Sarah|last2=Reid|first2=Tim|date=January 8, 2021|title=Homicide Investigation Opened Into the Death Of Capitol Police Officer|publisher=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-election-police-officer/homicide-investigation-opened-into-death-of-capitol-police-officer-idUSKBN29D2LI|url-status=live|access-date=March 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210305113450/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-election-police-officer/homicide-investigation-opened-into-death-of-capitol-police-officer-idUSKBN29D2LI|archive-date=March 5, 2021}} joined by the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department and other federal agencies.{{cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/08/politics/capitol-police-officer-killed/index.html|title=Homicide Investigation Opened Into the Death Of Capitol Police Officer|publisher=CNN|last1=Perez|first1=Evan|last2=LeBlanc|first2=Paul|date=January 8, 2021|access-date=February 1, 2021|archive-date=February 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210204102929/https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/08/politics/capitol-police-officer-killed/index.html|url-status=live}}

On February 2, CNN reported that investigators were having trouble finding evidence of homicide. One law enforcement official said that medical examiners found no evidence of any blunt force trauma. So investigators concluded that early reports of Sicknick being hit with a fire extinguisher were false. They considered the possibility that Sicknick became ill from a chemical irritant spray and were reviewing videos for evidence.

On March 14, Julian Khater and George Tanios were arrested by federal authorities and charged with crimes that included assault of Officer Sicknick with a chemical spray. There could not be a charge of homicide because the cause of death had not been determined. Autopsy results were still pending almost 10 weeks after Sicknick's death.

In an April 19 press release, the medical examiner's office said that Sicknick's death was by natural causes.{{efn |name=Natural}} The ruling made it difficult for prosecutors to pursue homicide charges. A week later, prosecutors said that the chemical sprayed on Sicknick was pepper spray.

On January 27, 2023, Khater was sentenced to 6 years and 8 months in prison after pleading guilty to assaulting Capitol Police officers, including Sicknick, with a keychain pepper spray. Tanios was sentenced to 10 months in prison.{{Cite web |last=Slade |first=Duncan |date=2021-03-22 |title=Morgantown Man Indicted In Assault Of Capitol Police Will Stay In Jail, Judge Rules |url=https://wvpublic.org/morgantown-man-indicted-in-assault-of-capitol-police-will-stay-in-jail-judge-rules/ |access-date=2024-01-06 |website=West Virginia Public Broadcasting |language=en-US}}

In January 2023, Sicknick's partner, Sandra Garza, filed a civil case for wrongful death and conspiracy (among other claims) against Trump, Khater and Tanios, $10 million from each defendant.{{Cite web |last1=Scott |first1=Rachel |last2=Ordonez |first2=Victor |last3=Rubin |first3=Olivia |date=2023-01-06 |title=Longtime partner of officer who died after Jan. 6 files wrongful death lawsuit against Trump, others |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/partner-officer-died-after-jan-6-files-wrongful/story?id=96252071 |access-date=2024-01-06 |website=ABC News |language=en |archive-date=December 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231224123759/https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/partner-officer-died-after-jan-6-files-wrongful/story?id=96252071 |url-status=live }} In January 2024, the wrongful death claims were dismissed as were two negligence claims against Trump. A claim of presidential immunity by Trump was also dismissed.{{Cite web |last=Sforza |first=Lauren |date=2024-01-03 |title=Portion of lawsuit against Trump filed by Capitol Police officer's partner dismissed |url=https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/4386773-portion-of-lawsuit-against-trump-dismissed-capitol-police/ |access-date=2024-01-06 |website=The Hill |language=en-US |archive-date=January 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240103153356/https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/4386773-portion-of-lawsuit-against-trump-dismissed-capitol-police/ |url-status=live }}

File:59th Presidential Inauguration support (50838573517).jpg

On January 8, 2021, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ordered flags at the Capitol to be lowered to half-staff in honor of Sicknick.{{Cite news|last=Chappell|first=Bill|date=January 8, 2021|title=U.S. Capitol Flag Will Fly At Half-Staff; FBI Offers Reward Over Pipe Bombs|work=NPR|url=https://www.npr.org/sections/insurrection-at-the-capitol/2021/01/08/954845870/u-s-capitol-flag-will-fly-at-half-staff-fbi-issues-reward-over-pipe-bombs|url-status=live|access-date=January 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210204230231/https://www.npr.org/sections/insurrection-at-the-capitol/2021/01/08/954845870/u-s-capitol-flag-will-fly-at-half-staff-fbi-issues-reward-over-pipe-bombs|archive-date=February 4, 2021}} Former House Speaker Paul Ryan gave his condolences to Sicknick on Twitter.{{cite tweet |user=SpeakerRyan|number=1347562351864770560 |access-date=January 8, 2021 |title=My heart is heavy with the passing of Officer Brian Sicknick. A true patriot, he gave his life to protect the business of the People. We must never forget his sacrifice & serve justice to his killer. My deepest sympathies to Officer Sicknick's family & the entire USCP force.}} Outgoing Vice President Mike Pence called Sicknick's family to offer his condolences, and a deputy press secretary for the Trump administration issued a written statement.{{cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/08/politics/capitol-police-officer-killed/index.html|title=Federal murder investigation to be opened in Capitol Police officer's death |publisher=CNN |last1=Perez |first1=Evan |last2=LeBlanc|first2=Paul |date=January 8, 2021 |access-date=February 1, 2021|archive-date=February 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210204102929/https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/08/politics/capitol-police-officer-killed/index.html|url-status=live}} The following weekend, Trump ordered flags to be flown at half-staff at all federal buildings, grounds, and vessels for three days.{{Cite news|last1=Diamond|first1=Jeremy|last2=LeBlanc|first2=Paul|date=January 10, 2021|title=White House orders flags lowered to honor late police officers who responded to US Capitol breach|work=CNN|url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/10/politics/brian-sicknick-howard-liebengood-white-house-flag/index.html|url-status=live|access-date=January 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126173254/https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/10/politics/brian-sicknick-howard-liebengood-white-house-flag/index.html|archive-date=January 26, 2021}} The governors of New Jersey and Virginia also ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in their respective states.{{Cite news |date=January 9, 2021|title=New Jersey Governor Orders Flags At Half-Staff In Honor Of Slain Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick|work=WCBS-TV|url=https://newyork.cbslocal.com/2021/01/09/new-jersey-flags-half-staff-brian-sicknick/|url-status=live|access-date=January 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210111163926/https://newyork.cbslocal.com/2021/01/09/new-jersey-flags-half-staff-brian-sicknick/|archive-date=January 11, 2021}}{{Cite news|agency=Associated Press|date=January 10, 2021|title=Flags will fly at half-staff in Virginia to honor slain Capitol Police officer|work=WTVR-TV|url=https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/virginia-governor-orders-flags-at-half-staff-for-slain-capitol-police-officer-brian-sicknick|url-status=live|access-date=January 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210111064609/https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/virginia-governor-orders-flags-at-half-staff-for-slain-capitol-police-officer-brian-sicknick|archive-date=January 11, 2021}} On January 12, 2021, a memorial service was held in Sicknick's hometown of South River, New Jersey. His family, New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez, and local officials were in attendance. Menendez presented Sicknick's family with the flag that had flown over the Capitol in his honor.{{Cite news|last=Loyer|first=Susan|date=January 12, 2021|title=Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick remembered in his hometown of South River|work=My Central Jersey|url=https://www.mycentraljersey.com/story/news/local/middlesex-county/2021/01/12/capitol-police-officer-brian-sicknick-remembered-his-hometown/6636299002/|url-status=live|access-date=January 31, 2021|archive-date=January 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128191743/https://www.mycentraljersey.com/story/news/local/middlesex-county/2021/01/12/capitol-police-officer-brian-sicknick-remembered-his-hometown/6636299002/}} Sicknick's high school, East Brunswick Technical High School, announced plans to plant an oak tree on campus in his honor. The New Jersey Devils ice hockey team aired a video of New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy giving a brief eulogy for Sicknick followed by a moment of silence.{{Cite web|url=https://www.tapinto.net/towns/raritan-bay/sections/police-and-fire/articles/nj-devils-gov-murphy-honor-officer-brian-sicknick-of-south-river|title=NJ Devils, Gov. Murphy Honor Officer Brian Sicknick of South River|website=TAPinto|access-date=June 28, 2022|archive-date=January 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210117174524/https://www.tapinto.net/towns/raritan-bay/sections/police-and-fire/articles/nj-devils-gov-murphy-honor-officer-brian-sicknick-of-south-river|url-status=live}}

File:Sicknick Niche Cover.jpgOn January 29, Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced that Sicknick would lie in honor at the Capitol rotunda.{{Cite news|last=Clark|first=Dartunorro|date=January 29, 2021|title=Brian Sicknick, Capitol Police officer who died from riot injuries, to lie in honor in Rotunda|work=NBC News|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/brian-sicknick-capitol-police-officer-who-died-riot-injuries-lie-n1256242|url-status=live|access-date=January 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210205155407/https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/brian-sicknick-capitol-police-officer-who-died-riot-injuries-lie-n1256242|archive-date=February 5, 2021}} The arrival ceremony began on the evening of February 2, 2021, at the Capitol's east front, followed by a viewing period attended by President Joe Biden, who had taken office on January 20, and First Lady Jill Biden.{{Cite news|last1=Kelly|first1=Caroline|last2=Hoffman|first2=Jason|date=February 2, 2021|title=Bidens pay their respects to Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick as officer lies in honor at Capitol|work=CNN|url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/02/02/politics/brian-sicknick-lie-in-honor-capitol-riot/index.html|url-status=live|access-date=February 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210206025456/https://edition.cnn.com/2021/02/02/politics/brian-sicknick-lie-in-honor-capitol-riot/index.html|archive-date=February 6, 2021}} Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff paid their respects on February 3, along with several legislators and police officers.{{Cite news |date=February 3, 2021|title=Biden, Harris pay respects to Capitol officer killed in riot|work=6ABC |first1=Michael |last1=Balsamo |first2=Colleen |last2=Long |first3=Darlene |last3=Superville |url=https://6abc.com/officer-brian-sicknick-capitol-police-killed-obituary-joe-biden/10276915/|url-status=live|access-date=February 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210203185443/https://6abc.com/officer-brian-sicknick-capitol-police-killed-obituary-joe-biden/10276915/|archive-date=February 3, 2021}} Later that day, Sicknick's cremated remains, accompanied by a procession, departed the Capitol for Arlington National Cemetery, where burial took place.{{cite news |first1=Meagan |last1=Flynn |first2=Emily |last2=Davies |first3=Paul |last3=Duggan |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/public-safety/sicknick-honor-capitol/2021/02/02/3878d5ae-6578-11eb-8c64-9595888caa15_story.html |title=Officer Brian Sicknick remembered as hero who died defending the U.S. Capitol |newspaper=Washington Post |date=February 3, 2021 |access-date=June 22, 2021 |archive-date=February 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210212115411/https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/public-safety/sicknick-honor-capitol/2021/02/02/3878d5ae-6578-11eb-8c64-9595888caa15_story.html |url-status=live }}[Local First Responders Help Bring Fallen Capitol Officer to Arlington National Cemetery], ARLnow.com (February 4, 2021). Representative Dan Crenshaw, who Sicknick's brother described as "one of Brian's favorite people on the Hill," delivered the eulogy.{{cite news |last1=Sicknick |first1=Craig |title=My brother, Officer Brian Sicknick, died after January 6. Politics continued to pull my family apart |url=https://www.salon.com/2024/05/04/my-brother-officer-brian-sicknick-after-january-6-continued-to-pull-my-family-apart/ |access-date=5 May 2024 |work=Salon |date=4 May 2024 |language=en}}

Members of Sicknick's family attended Super Bowl LV in February 2021 as honored guests of the National Football League, along with three officers of the Metropolitan Police Department.{{Cite news|last=Gaydos|first=Ryan|date=February 7, 2021|title=Family of fallen Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick, three others honored guests at Super Bowl LV: reports|work=Fox News|url=https://www.foxnews.com/sports/family-of-fallen-capitol-police-officer-brian-sicknick-three-others-honored-guests-at-super-bowl-lv-reports|url-status=live|access-date=February 17, 2021|archive-date=February 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210216200059/https://www.foxnews.com/sports/family-of-fallen-capitol-police-officer-brian-sicknick-three-others-honored-guests-at-super-bowl-lv-reports}}

On August 5, 2021, Sicknick, along with Capitol Police officers Howard Liebengood and Billy Evans, and Metropolitan Police officer Jeffrey L. Smith, was posthumously honored in a signing ceremony for a bill to award Congressional Gold Medals to Capitol Police and other January 6 responders. His name is noted in the text of the bill, and Biden remarked on his death.{{Cite web|last=Pelosi|first=Nancy|date=2021-08-05|title=H.R.3325 - 117th Congress (2021-2022): To award four congressional gold medals to the United States Capitol Police and those who protected the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.|url=https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/3325|access-date=2021-08-07|website=congress.gov|archive-date=August 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210812032022/https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/3325|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=President Biden Delivers Remarks and Signs H.R. 3325|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=itGQewE09Zw|via=YouTube|work=The White House| date=August 5, 2021 |language=en|access-date=2021-08-07|archive-date=August 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210812131227/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=itGQewE09Zw|url-status=live}} At the [https://www.house.gov/feature-stories/2022-12-8-congressional-gold-medal-ceremony December 2022 Congressional Gold Medal] ceremony, Sicknick's family members refused to shake the hands of Republican leaders Mitch McConnell and Kevin McCarthy.{{Cite news |title=Handshake snub for top Republicans at award ceremony |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-us-canada-63879490 |access-date=2022-12-07 |archive-date=December 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221207044304/https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-us-canada-63879490 |url-status=live }}

On January 6, 2023, for his role in defending the U.S. Capitol, Sicknick was posthumously awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal by President Joe Biden.{{cite web | title=Biden honors police officers and election workers 2 years after the Capitol attack | website=NPR | date=6 January 2023 | url=https://www.npr.org/2023/01/06/1147256602/jan-6-capitol-attack-biden-citizens-medal | access-date=20 April 2023 | archive-date=July 22, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230722130009/https://www.npr.org/2023/01/06/1147256602/jan-6-capitol-attack-biden-citizens-medal | url-status=live }}

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