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Biden, congressional leaders pay respects to Officer Brian Sicknick at US Capitol

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden and congressional leaders paid their respects Tuesday night to Brian Sicknick, the officer who died in the aftermath of the Jan. 6 attack at the U.S. Capitol.

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Biden and first lady Dr. Jill Biden paused at the cremated remains of Sicknick, which were placed in the center of the Rotunda of the Capitol. The president and first lady placed their hands over their hearts before moving to a floral tribute to the officer. President Biden, a Catholic, also made the sign of the cross. The president could be seen shaking his head as he and the first lady paused again.

Earlier, House and Senate leaders from both parties came to the Capitol to pay their respects to Sicknick.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced Friday that Sicknick would lie in honor at the Capitol.

Officers from Sicknick’s unit lined up near the steps outside, The New York Times reported. Pelosi and Schumer stood to the side as Sicknick’s remains arrived.

Sicknick’s remains arrived at the Capitol at 9:30 p.m. ET, and members of the U.S. Capitol Police force began viewing 30 minutes later.

Two U.S. Capitol Police Officers who were shot to death in 1998 were the first private citizens to lie in state at the Capitol, CNN reported. Lying in state at the Rotunda is typically reserved for leaders of U.S. government.

Civil rights pioneer Rosa Parks and the Rev. Billy Graham are the only other two individuals who have received the honor, the Times reported.

“The family of U.S. Capitol Police Officer Brian D. Sicknick thanks the Congressional leadership for bestowing this historic honor on our fallen American hero,” Sicknick’s partner, Sandra Garza, and his family said in a statement. “Knowing our personal tragedy and loss is shared by our nation brings hope for healing.”