Biden’s tribute to hero cop
JOE Biden stands silently for a few poignant seconds as he touches the urn of the hero police officer battered to death by a mob storming the US Capitol.
The US President said a prayer and shook his head solemnly at the service for Brian Sicknick, 42.
Joined by his wife Jill, they placed their hands over their hearts during the ceremony at the Capitol’s Rotunda building, where the officer’s remains are lying in state.
Sicknick was hit on the head with a fire extinguisher during the riots on January 6. He died the following day.
Yesterday, an honour guard carried his ashes as fellow officers filed in to salute the casket.
Democratic and Republican party leaders paid tribute ahead of the ceremony. House speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer spoke of the officer’s bravery.
They said he was trying to “defend the temple of our democracy”, adding: “His sacrifice reminds us every day of our obligation to our country and to the people we serve. May this ceremony and the knowledge that so many mourn with and pray for them be a comfort to Officer Sicknick’s family during this sad time.”
Former president Donald Trump faces an impeachment trial over accusations he incited the mob to storm the building after claiming falsely he had been cheated from office.
Officer Sicknick, who joined the police 13 years ago after serving with the National Guard, will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery.