Pelosi, Schumer say Capitol Police officer killed in insurgency will lie in honor on Capitol Hill

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Sicknick died after being hit on the head with a fire extinguisher during the hour-long struggle for control of the U.S. Capitol on January 6.

According to a press release, an arrival ceremony will be held Tuesday at 9:30 p.m. ET on the Eastern Front of the Capitol. A viewing period will begin at 10 p.m. for members of the United States Capitol Police and will continue overnight.

The move comes after several lawmakers demanded that Sicknick be honored on Capitol Hill.

Two Republicans from South Carolina had introduced a bill that would allow Sicknick to lie in honor on the Capitol ahead of his burial at Arlington National Cemetery.

Representative Ralph Norman and Senator Tim Scott introduced the bill on Thursday. If passed, a plaque would be placed in the Capitol in memory of Sicknick that would allow the House Sergeant-at-Arms to pay for Sicknick’s funeral services.

The union representing the rank and file officers “welcomes the proposal,” which is expected to pass with unanimous consent.

“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 the rank and file officers. “We must commemorate his life and service with respect and dignity.”

Lying in the state is usually reserved for leaders of the U.S. government, but two U.S. Capitol police officers shot dead in 1998 were the first private citizens to lie in honor on Capitol Hill. Norman sought to maintain that precedent for Sicknick.

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

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