The death of Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick was a tragedy.
But as it turns out, the facts originally reported about his death may not have been accurate.
The initial story implied that he died from an attack by protesters at the Capitol, it was even reported that he was hit with a fire extinguisher. Apparently though, the facts as of this moment are not there to confirm that claim. Yet that has gone everywhere as “facts.”
Indeed, according to ABC, they are reporting that Sicknick’s death may have been “driven by a medical condition.”
According to sources familiar with the matter, authorities believe Sicknick’s death was driven by a medical condition. They’re also investigating reports that he was attacked with a fire extinguisher or another item at the Capitol, sources said. So far, reports of an attack haven’t been confirmed and authorities are hoping to locate video or other imagery from the scene.
He did not die until after he had returned to his office where he collapsed and was later taken to the hospital where he died around 9:30 p.m.
Sicknick’s family said in a statement, “Many details regarding Wednesday’s events and the direct causes of Brian’s injuries remain unknown and our family asks the public and the press to respect our wishes in not making Brian’s passing a political issue.”
Agreed. Now his death may have been been related to interactions with the protesters, but we should wait until the evidence is in. People are being whipped up based on unconfirmed or outright false reports, in a highly charged political climate.
Meanwhile, folks on the left on Twitter are spreading a video which they allege is Sicknick being beaten to death by Trump supporters, after his family asked people not to make his passing political. It isn’t him and it’s not entirely clear what the video shows. This is just vile and wrong to make false claims about his death.
Officer Liebengood, who is mentioned there, committed suicide.
Sicknick was a 42-year-old military veteran who had wanted to be a police officer his entire life and had worked for the Capitol Police for 12 years. We should condemn anyone who had a hand in his death.
Recognize that here is a man who dedicated his life to law enforcement. Honor his service and his memory. Don’t use his death for a political point.