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Federal prosecutors reportedly plan to launch a murder investigation into the death of a US Capitol police officer who died during the violent pro-Trump riots in Washington DC on Wednesday, according to a new report.
Brian Sicknick, a 42-year-old officer for the Capitol Police Department, died from his injuries on Thursday after a mob stormed the Capitol the day prior, breaching security measures and clashing with police as they attempted to prevent the certification of the 2020 election.
At least 14 officers were injured in the riot, which came after the president delivered a fiery speech to his supporters and urged them to march to the Capitol, vowing to never stop fighting in his pursuit to overturn the results of his electoral defeat.
Despite his conspiracy theories, Mr Trump lost to President-elect Joe Biden, with his own Department of Homeland Security describing the 2020 election as the “most secure” in US history.
The violence quickly escalated once people reached the Capitol, where officers were quickly outnumbered by the angry mob of rioters carrying weapons, confederate flags and Trump campaign merchandise.
A statement from the police said Mr Sicknick was injured “while physically engaging with protesters” who attacked the Capitol.
He was reportedly struck with a fire extinguisher during the riots, two sources told The New York Times.
Mr Sicknick collapsed after returning to his division office and was rushed to the hospital, where he was reportedly on a ventilator.
Several reports indicated the officer was struck by one of the rioters, though it remained unclear if there were any potential suspects involved in the death.
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