Lawmakers push for US Capitol officer killed during insurrection to lie in honor at the Capitol

Two Republicans from South Carolina have introduced a bill that would allow US Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick, who was killed during the insurrection three weeks ago, to lie in honor at the Capitol before his burial at Arlington National Cemetery.

Rep. Ralph Norman and Sen. Tim Scott introduced the legislation Thursday. If passed, a plaque would be placed in the Capitol in memory of Sicknick and would allow the House Sergeant at Arms to pay for Sicknick’s funeral services.

The union representing rank-and-file officers “welcome(s) the proposal,” which would need to pass with unanimous consent. Sicknick died after being hit in the head with a fire extinguisher during the hours-long fight for control of the Capitol building.

“Officer Sicknick died because he put the lives of Members of Congress and their staff before his own safety — he did his duty,” said Gus Papathanasiou, president of the union representing rank-and-file officers. “We should commemorate his life and service with respect and dignity.”

Lying in state is typically reserved for leaders of American government, but two US Capitol Police officers shot to death in 1998 were the first private citizens to lie in honor at the Capitol. Norman is seeking to uphold that precedent for Sicknick.

“The attacks at the Capitol on January 6th show us that, now more than ever, we must support our police,” Norman said in a statement. “Just as U.S. Capitol Police put themselves in harm’s way last week to protect the seat of American democracy, the same selflessness and sacrifice is made every day by law enforcement officers across our nation. Each of them deserves our honor and support.”