The FBI has recently gotten its hands on a video that allowed them to identify an attacker in its investigation of the death of Brian Sicknick, the Capitol Police officer who was injured in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot and later died. The New York Times was first to report that investigators are now focusing on one suspect who apparently sprayed a chemical irritant at Sicknick and other law enforcement officers as Trump supporters stormed the Capitol. Authorities haven’t publicly identified the suspect but the focus on the video could be a potentially significant break in the case as investigators had been struggling to figure out what happened to Sicknick. They now believe his death was related to the irritant, an apparent bear spray. In a significant move, investigators have also uncovered video evidence showing the assailant discussing attacking officers with the bear spray. Police audio played during former President Donald Trump’s Senate impeachment trial included portions in which officers were heard screaming that some rioters were spraying bear spray. Investigators have so far determined Sicknick didn’t die of blunt force trauma, according to the Washington Post. There is little detail about what could have caused his death considering authorities haven’t released an autopsy or toxicology report. In a statement late Friday, Capitol Police said that the medical examiner’s report on Sicknick’s death has not been finished yet. Sicknick was injured while pushing back rioters and then “returned to his division office and collapsed,” according to a Capitol Police statement issued the day after the riot
via slate: FBI Reportedly Identifies Suspect Who Sprayed Capitol Officer With Chemicals Before He Died
siehe auch: FBI focuses on video of Capitol Police officer being sprayed with chemicals before he died in pro-Trump riot. Investigators have uncovered video appearing to show someone spraying a chemical irritant at Capitol Police Officer Brian D. 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 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 did not die of blunt force trauma, people familiar with the matter said, speaking 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. Capitol Police said in a statement Friday the medical examiner’s report was not yet complete, adding, “We are awaiting toxicology results and continue to work with other government agencies regarding the death investigation.”