Capitol Police Officer, New Jersey Native Brian Sicknick Lies In Honor At U.S. Capitol
WASHINGTON, D.C. (CBSNewYork) -- U.S. Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick, a New Jersey native, is only the fifth private citizen to lie in honor at the Capitol Rotunda.
Friends and family joined lawmakers Wednesday in a ceremony paying tribute to Sicknick.
"Still our hearts oh God in this moment, as overwhelmed as we are with grief, shock, uncertainty, even anger, and all the other emotions that invade this hallowed occasion," House Chaplain and retired Rear Adm. Margaret Grun Kibben said.
MORE: Slain Capitol Police Officer Identified As New Jersey Native Brian Sicknick
Sicknick's family said it was always his dream to become a police officer. The 42-year-old joined the Capitol Police in 2008 after serving in the New Jersey Air National Guard. His family is from South River, New Jersey, CBS2's Dick Brennan reported.
"Brian was a peacekeeper. He loved his dogs and his girlfriend, Sandra, and his family and the New Jersey Devils. He was caught in the wrong place at the wrong time on a day when peace was shattered," Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said.
Sicknick died from his injuries during the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. So far, there have been no arrests in his killing.
An urn carrying his remains lay in honor in the very building he died defending.
"Our promise to Brian's family is that we will never forget his sacrifice," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said.
President Joe Biden and the first lady paid their respects on Tuesday night.
In a statement after his death, Gov. Phil Murphy said Sicknick "embodied the selfless spirit of his native state" and ordered flags to be flown at half staff.
Officer Sicknick was laid to rest in a private ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, the final resting place for those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for their nation.
Sicknick is only the third person to die defending the Capitol in its history.
CBS2's Dick Brennan contributed to this report
MORE FROM CBS NEW YORK
