Trump under more pressure after riots
THE death of a police officer from injuries sustained as President Donald Trump’s supporters stormed the Capitol is forcing hard questions about the defeated president’s remaining days in office and the ability of the Capitol Police to secure the area.
The questions came as Mr Trump tweeted yesterday he would not be attending the inauguration of president-elect Joe Biden on January 20.
The US Capitol Police said in a statement that Officer Brian D Sicknick was injured “while physically engaging with protesters” during the Wednesday riot. He is the fifth person to die because of the melee.
During the violence, Mr Sicknick was hit in the head with a fire extinguisher, two law enforcement officials said.
The rampage that has shocked the world and left the country on edge forced the resignations of three top Capitol security officials over the failure to stop the breach.
It led politicians to demand a review of operations and an FBI briefing over what they called a “terrorist attack”.
And it is prompting a broader reckoning over Mr Trump’s tenure in office and what comes next for a torn nation.
Protesters were urged by Mr Trump during a rally near the White House earlier on Wednesday to head to Capitol Hill, where politicians were scheduled to confirm Mr
Biden’s presidential victory.
The mob swiftly broke through police barriers, smashed windows and paraded through the halls, sending politicians into hiding.
One protester, a white woman, was fatally shot by Capitol Police, and there were dozens of arrests.
Three other people died after “medical emergencies” related to the breach.
Despite Mr Trump’s repeated claims of voter fraud, election officials and his own former attorney general have said there were no problems on a scale that would change the outcome.
All the states have certified their results as fair and accurate, by Republican and Democratic officials alike.
Senator Ben Sasse, a Republican, said news of the police officer’s death was “gut-wrenching”.
“None of this should have happened,” Mr Sasse said in a statement. “Lord, have mercy.”
Mr Sicknick had returned to his division office after the incident and collapsed. He was taken to a local hospital where he later died.
Two House Democrats on committees overseeing the Capitol police budgets said those responsible need to be held to account.
“We must ensure the mob who attacked the People’s House and those who instigated them are held accountable,” said Rosa DeLauro and Tim Ryan in a statement.