Video shows toxic attack

Pro-trump rioter seen assaulting officer who died

Investigators have uncovered video appearing to show someone spraying a chemical irritant at Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick and other law enforcement personnel fending off rioters in last month’s attack, though they have yet to identify the person or tie the activity directly to

Sicknick’s death, according to people familiar with the matter.

Sicknick’s death has long vexed investigators exploring the Jan. 6 riot, as they have struggled to figure out how precisely he died and whether someone could be held criminally accountable in connection with the death.

Investigators determined Sicknick, 42, did not die of blunt force trauma, people familiar with the matter said on the condition of anonymity to discuss an ongoing investigation. U.S. Capitol Police in a statement Jan. 8 said that Sicknick died “due to injuries sustained while on duty.” No autopsy or toxicology report has been made public, unusual seven weeks after a death.

The video could offer prosecutors a path to charging someone in connection with Sicknick’s death — though they still have to identify the assailant, and would then have to prove the spraying proved fatal. Prosecutors, instead, might consider bringing assault charges.

The FBI captured screenshots of people visible in the video, one person familiar with matter said, and in the last month released the images publicly hoping to identify them. The bureau did not mention Sicknick or depict the chemical spraying when distributing the images.

Spokespeople for the FBI and the Justice Department declined to comment. The new video was previously reported by CNN. The New York Times reported more of its contents on Friday.

Acting Deputy Attorney General John Carlin said prosecutors have charged more than 300 people in connection with the Jan. 6 attack at the Capitol.