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Capitol Police confirm an officer died responding to riots by Trump supporters

US Capitol Police confirmed late on Thursday night (local time) officer Brian Sicknick died due to injuries sustained in response to the riot at the Capitol building.

“Officer Sicknick was responding to the riots on Wednesday, January 6, 2021, at the U.S. Capitol and was injured while physically engaging with protesters”, the police said in a statement, adding he passed away on Thursday night.

He became the fifth person to die as a result of the rampage on Wednesday (local time).

Capitol Police said the death of Officer Sicknick will be investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department’s homicide branch, the USCP and its federal partners.

Pro-Trump protesters seen on and around Capitol building. Source: Getty Images
Pro-Trump protesters seen on and around Capitol building. Source: Getty Images

Fury broke out at the Capitol building about 1.30pm on Wednesday after a Donald Trump rally nearby where the president encouraged supporters to storm the Capitol and “fight” for America.

US Air Force veteran Ashli Babbit, from San Diego, was killed while trying to enter the building.

Babbitt, 35, was an ardent supporter of Trump, and her posts on Twitter endorsed Trump's false assertions that he was defeated because Democrats had elaborately rigged the November 3 election.

The Twitter account @Ashli_Babbitt, shared many posts in recent weeks flagging her excitement at attending the Trump rally in Washington on January 6.

There was an armed standoff about 3pm with reports officers had their guns drawn at someone trying to breach the front door of the White House.

Trump reportedly acted like a “monster” while the riots unfolded, ignoring several pleas from White House aids to end to violence.

Police chief resigns

US Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund will resign as a result of the riot, CNN reported.

His resignation will take effect on January 16, with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announcing that the House Sergeant at Arms has submitted his resignation.

The resignations follow widespread criticism over a lack of preparedness ahead of the riots.

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