GoFundMe Raises $695K For Family Of Deceased Police Officer

WASHINGTON, DC — A GoFundMe campaign set up to raise money for the family of the U.S. Capitol Police officer who died following the riot at the Capitol building on Wednesday more than doubled its goal.

Officer Brian D. Sicknick died Jan. 6 of injuries he received during the siege of the U.S. Capitol Building by pro-Trump supporters, according to a USCP release.

Sicknick was injured while physically engaging with protesters Wednesday. Later that same day, he collapsed in his division office and was transported to a nearby hospital where he succumbed to his injuries at 9:30 p.m. on Jan. 6.

Homicide detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department, the USCP, and other federal agencies are investigating the circumstances surrounding Sicknick's death.

The GoFundMe campaign was launched on Saturday by a fellow Capitol Police officer to raise money for Sicknick's family. The original goal was to raise $250,000, but by 10 p.m. on Jan. 14, donations totaled more than $695,000.

A resident of Springfield, Virginia and a former member of the military, Sicknick, 42, joined the Capitol Police in July 2008. His most recent assignment was in the First Responders Group.

Sicknick's family released the following statement on Monday:

"There really aren't enough kind words in any language to describe how sweet Brian was. He was truly a lovely, humble soul. We are missing him terribly.

"He was sweet natured through and through. Everyone who met him adored him. He also loved his dachshunds dearly, spoiling them, and ensuring they got the best care possible.

"He loved his job with the U.S. Capitol Police, and was very passionate about it. He also had an incredible work ethic. He was very serious about showing up to work on time and refused to call out sick unless absolutely necessary.

"Our loss of Brian will leave a large hole in our hearts.

"The tremendous support we have received from the U.S. Capitol Police, the law enforcement community, and the community as a whole has been overwhelmingly warm and generous. We’re very grateful for everyone’s kindness during this difficult time.

"We will have no further statements and will not be granting media interviews. We ask that our family’s privacy be respected during this time."

Local officials and police agencies from around the region saluted Sicknick on social media and in public statements.

ACPD Officers honored fallen @CapitolPolice Officer Brian Sicknick as his procession traveled through Arlington County.

In Valor, There is Hope pic.twitter.com/7POzIINiLk
— ArlingtonCountyPD (@ArlingtonVaPD) January 10, 2021

“Officer Brian Sicknick gave his life in the line of duty to keep us safe," Rep. Don Beyer (D-Virginia) said, in a statement. "I mourn his loss, and send my deepest condolences to his family. His murder multiplies the pain of this dark moment for our nation, and those who brought about this awful crime must be prosecuted and brought to justice."

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam issued an order directing that the U.S. and state flags at all local, state, and federal buildings and grounds be flown at half-mast in Sicknick's memory Jan. 11.

The Capitol Police announced on Sunday the off-duty death of Officer Howard Liebengood, 51, who was assigned to the Senate Division. While no official cause of death was provided, a family-member told The Washington Post that Liebengood had committed suicide days after the assault on the Capitol.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, and colleagues," the Capitol Police said, in a statement.

Also see ...

Officer Dies From Injuries Suffered During US Capitol Siege