Schicknick died of natural causes a day after suffering two strokes while confronting violent mob members who tried to overturn the 2020 presidential election, according to the district’s chief medical examiner. .
“They’re just two-faced,” she told CNN Tuesday after the awards ceremony. increase.
“It just hurts,” Sicknick added.
Republicans and Democrats met on Tuesday to present the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest honor from Congress.
About 140 members of law enforcement were injured as the mob attacked them with flagpoles, baseball bats, stun guns, bear spray and pepper spray. In a dramatic remark, DC Police Chief Robert J. Conti III said Tuesday’s event marked the first time many officers had returned to the Capitol since the riots.
“Many of us have suffered physical, mental and emotional scars after mounting violent attacks in an attempt to stop vote tallies for elections,” Conti said. “The sound of metal poles and other objects hitting bodies, helmets and shields can still be loud and reverberating, and the air is still thick with spray and other chemicals, making it difficult for officers to see and breathe. has become.”
After receiving their medals, the family shook hands with Democratic leaders, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (California) and Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer (New York). Gladys Sicknick got a kiss from her Schumer. The family ignored an outstretched hand from Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) and passed House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-California).
A spokesman for McCarthy did not immediately comment. McConnell was questioned about the incident on Tuesday afternoon, focusing on officers and awards.
“I would answer by saying that today we awarded the gold medals to the heroes of January 6,” he told reporters. I put my life on the line, so today, I’m presenting the gold medals to the heroes of January 6th.”
On January 6, 2021, a pro-Trump mob stormed the Capitol in an attempt to stop Congress from counting the electoral votes in favor of Joe Biden as the winner of the 2020 presidential election.
Shortly after, McConnell and McCarthy condemned the attack and held Trump responsible. voted to acquit Trump.
McCarthy then traveled to Mar-a-Lago to meet with Trump.
Sicknick’s family lobbied Congress to create an independent commission to investigate the attack. McCarthy opposed the creation of the commission, and all Republicans united against it in the Senate. McCarthy refused to cooperate, but Pelosi and the Democrats proceeded to set up a bipartisan commission to investigate.
After the ceremony, the brother of the deceased officer, Ken Schicknick, said his refusal to shake hands with Republican leaders was “obvious” given their loyalty to Trump. rice field.
“They backed down and danced no matter what Trump had them,” he told CBS.
Last week, President Trump expressed solidarity with the mob that attacked the Capitol and supported a fundraising event hosted by a group called the Patriot Freedom Project, which is helping the families of those indicted by the government on Thursday night. sent a video of
Schicknick spoke of Rep. Louis Gaumert (R, Tex.) for gifting mobster Simone Gold the flag that flew over the Capitol after he was released from prison. “It takes away the heroism my brother showed.”
Ken Schicknick praised Rep. Liz Cheney (R, Wyoming) for her work on the commission investigating the Jan. 6 attacks, but questioned how the riots unfolded and Trump’s role. criticized Republicans for refusing to investigate.
“Unlike Liz Cheney, they don’t understand what honesty is,” he said, explaining why Republicans don’t deserve to shake hands. I cannot claim that
“With them, it’s the first party,” added Sicknick.
McCarthy has suggested investigating the commission’s work on Jan. 6 when Republicans win a majority next month.
On Tuesday, he praised the “intrinsic brotherhood” of law enforcement agencies across the country.
“Wearing a badge means putting yourself in danger to protect others and keep your country safe,” McCarthy said. “These brave men and women are heroes.” A hero who saved so many people from harm that day.A hero who runs code to protect and serve.A hero who does a noble job.Too many people take it for granted.”
McConnell praised law enforcement officers for sacrificing their lives so that lawmakers could fulfill their commitment to proving an election proclaiming Biden president.
“Thanks to your courage and professionalism, Congress finished our work that night,” he said. “We were able to keep our oath because you kept your oath to uphold and defend the Constitution. , which is true every day.”
“Thank you for the push,” added McConnell. “Thank you for saving our country. Thank you for being not only our friend, but our hero.”
In a separate incident, former DC officer Michael Fanone, who was critically injured on January 6 and an outspoken and recognizable advocate for the police who defended the Capitol, said during the ceremony that a member of his own unit had attacked him. ridiculed and insulted
As he walked into the bathroom while the guests were seated before the ceremony began, a member of the Special Operations Division of the Fanone Division held his plaque-shaped hand and said to him in a sarcastic tone: America’s great hero. Thank you for blessing us with your presence.
Fanone said he had left, but then returned and was confronted by the police. Fanone told officers, “You can come out any time of the day if you want to talk about it.” He said other members of the unit heckled him, saying he was “no longer a cop” and calling him a “disgrace”.
Fanone said the sergeant intervened and warned him, “Don’t talk to the officers like that.”
Fanone said other officers separated the group and he walked away.
After the ceremony, Fanon said Conti gave him the gold medal. “I have so much respect for that guy,” Fanone said of Chief, adding, “It’s been my day.”
Fanone has been outspoken since days after the riots, being dragged into the crowd, beaten unconscious and seriously injured after being threatened with death. Sa has earned a reputation within his own department, he said, effectively ostracized by those who dislike the publicity he seeks and receives, as well as others he says support Trump.
D.C. Police Department spokesman Dustin Sternbeck said the event was “a huge honor for the Metropolitan Police Department.” We focus on the sector-wide contribution that saved democracy on January 6, 2021. “
