A second U.S. Capitol Police officer has died this week, authorities reported on Sunday.
In a statement issued Sunday morning, U.S. Capitol Police said it was “deeply saddened” by the death on January 9, 2021, of Officer Howard Liebengood. “He was assigned to the Senate Division, and has been with the Department since April 2005. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, and colleagues.” Liebengood was 51. The agency did not specify the cause of his death.
Lawmakers from both parties immediately issued statements mourning his passing and called for additional support for the U.S. Capitol Police officers in the wake of Wednesday’s riot that left five people dead and dozens of officers wounded.
“Our officers need more than gratitude,” tweeted Rep. Dean Phillips (D-Minn.). “They need authentic, capable leadership and meaningful support, and I call on my colleagues to join me demanding it immediately.”
The news comes days after USCP announced the death of Officer Brian Sicknick, who was killed after confronting the mob of rioters who raided the U.S. Capitol Wednesday. The U.S. Capitol is flying its flags at half-mast in Sicknick’s honor, which the White House has so far refused to do.
