Report: FBI Interviewing 'Dozens' In Capitol Hill Death Of Cop

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The FBI is interviewing "dozens" in connection with the death of a police officer, a New Jersey native, who succumbed to injuries he suffered while battling rioters at Capitol Hill, according to a New York Times report.

The New York Times reported that the FBI corrected itself, saying it was interviewing – not investigating – dozens in connection with the death of Capitol Hill Police Officer Brian Sicknick.

Sicknick, an Iraq War veteran from South River, was struck with a fire extinguisher by rioters who raided the nation’s capitol on Jan. 6, according to the Times. He was one of 15 law enforcement officers who were injured in the riots, according to the reports.

Sicknick was taken to a nearby hospital, where he died on Jan. 7, according to police.

On Friday, organizers closed an online fundraiser set up to help his family. In all, the Officer Brian D. Sicknick Memorial collected $708,007, according to the GoFundMe post.

"There are no words to describe how incredibly grateful and overwhelmed the family feels," organizer Lindsey Taylor wrote. "In addition to the monetary donations that have been received, the amount of love, support and condolences from everyone has been incredible. There has been an outpouring of support from everyone who has donated, shared condolences, and also shared this GoFundMe page. On behalf of the Sicknick family, myself, and all USCP officers, we truly thank each and every one of you for everything you have done over the past week."

Donations can still be made through the United States Capitol Police Memorial Fund. Checks can be made out to: "United States Capitol Police Memorial Fund" and mailed to 119 D. Street, NE, Washington, DC 20510, Attn: Office of Financial Management. Information on this fundraising effort is available on the United States Capitol Police website.

Sicknick graduated from the Middlesex County Vocational and Technical School — East Brunswick campus in 1997. He was also a Fire Team Member and Leader with the 108th Security Force Squadron, 108th Wing, at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. Read more here: Federal Probe Opened Into Capitol Hill Riot Death Of Cop From NJ

He was also deployed overseas twice in the Middle East, first in Operation Southern Watch and then in the Iraq War during Operation Enduring Freedom.

Dozens of people have been arrested in the wake of the violence, in which pro-Trump rioters stormed the capital in an effort to prevent Congress from certifying the results of the 2020 presidential election.

More violence is expected in the days leading up to President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration, triggering a warning for all 50 states, including New Jersey. Read more here: NJ Takes New Security Steps To Prevent Violence At NJ Capitol

With reporting by Carly Baldwin, Patch Staff