Brian Sicknick

Brian Sicknick
The White House · Public domain · source
Name	Brian Sicknick
Birth date	July 30, 1978
Birth place	South River, New Jersey
Death date	January 7, 2021
Death place	Washington, D.C.
Occupation	United States Capitol Police officer

Brian Sicknick was a United States Capitol Police officer who served and protected the United States Capitol and its members, including Nancy Pelosi and Kevin McCarthy. He was a native of New Jersey and grew up in South River, New Jersey, near New York City. Sicknick's life took a tragic turn during the 2021 storming of the United States Capitol, which involved Donald Trump, Mike Pence, and other prominent figures like Ted Cruz and Josh Hawley. His death was met with an outpouring of support from Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, and other leaders, including Mitch McConnell and Chuck Schumer.

● Early Life and Education

Brian Sicknick was born on July 30, 1978, in South River, New Jersey, to Charles Sicknick and Gladys Sicknick. He grew up in a family with two older brothers, Craig Sicknick and Ken Sicknick, and was educated in the Middlesex County, New Jersey, school system, attending Middlesex County Vocational and Technical Schools. After completing his secondary education, Sicknick enlisted in the New Jersey Air National Guard, where he served from 1997 to 2003, including a deployment to Saudi Arabia and Kyrgyzstan during the War in Afghanistan (2001-2021) with the 108th Wing and 319th Fighter Wing. During his time in the National Guard, he was stationed at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst and worked with the United States Air Force and United States Army.

● Career

Sicknick began his career as a United States Capitol Police officer in 2008, where he was responsible for protecting the United States Capitol and its members, including John Boehner, Paul Ryan, and Nancy Pelosi. He worked closely with other law enforcement agencies, such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Secret Service, to ensure the safety and security of the Capitol Complex. During his time with the United States Capitol Police, Sicknick was involved in various high-profile events, including the 2013 United States Capitol shooting and the 2018 State of the Union Address, which featured Donald Trump and Mike Pence. He also worked with other officers, such as Steven Sund and Yogananda Pittman, to maintain order and security during Congressional hearings and other events.

● Death and Aftermath

On January 6, 2021, a mob of Donald Trump supporters stormed the United States Capitol, resulting in the deaths of five people, including Brian Sicknick. The event, known as the 2021 storming of the United States Capitol, was widely condemned by leaders, including Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, and Nancy Pelosi. Sicknick was injured during the riot and died the following day, on January 7, 2021, at George Washington University Hospital. His death was met with an outpouring of support from leaders, including Mitch McConnell and Chuck Schumer, and he was later honored with a lying in honor ceremony in the United States Capitol rotunda, where he was eulogized by Nancy Pelosi and Mitch McConnell.

● Investigation and Legacy

The Federal Bureau of Investigation launched an investigation into the 2021 storming of the United States Capitol and the death of Brian Sicknick. The investigation, which involved the United States Department of Justice and the United States Capitol Police, aimed to identify those responsible for the violence and to bring them to justice. Sicknick's death was also the subject of a Congressional investigation, led by the United States House Select Committee on the January 6 Attack, which featured Bennie Thompson and Liz Cheney. His legacy continues to be felt, with many leaders, including Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, paying tribute to his service and sacrifice, and he was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal along with other United States Capitol Police officers.

● Personal Life

Brian Sicknick was a resident of Springfield, Virginia, and was engaged to be married to Sandra Garza. He was an avid fan of the New Jersey Devils and enjoyed playing video games and watching science fiction movies, including Star Wars and Star Trek. Sicknick was also a supporter of various charities, including the United Service Organizations and the Wounded Warrior Project, which support veterans and their families. His family, including his parents Charles Sicknick and Gladys Sicknick, and his brothers Craig Sicknick and Ken Sicknick, continue to advocate for his legacy and to support the United States Capitol Police and other law enforcement agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Secret Service.