Gov. Murphy directs flags to half-staff in honor of NJ native Capitol officer who was fatally injured in riots

A police officer that died from injuries sustained as President Donald Trump's supporters stormed the Capitol is from New Jersey, News 12 has confirmed.

News 12 Staff

Jan 9, 2021, 7:11 PM

Updated 1,363 days ago

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A police officer who died from injuries sustained as President Donald Trump's supporters stormed the Capitol was a native of South River, in Middlesex County, News 12 has confirmed.   
The brother of Brian Sicknick released the following statement to ABC News, saying, "After a day of fighting for his life, he passed away a hero. I would like to thank all of his brothers and sisters in law enforcement for the incredible compassion and support they have shown my family. My family and I hope that our privacy can be respected as we grieve. Thank you."
News 12 spoke with Sicknick’s sister-in-law earlier in Spotswood. She says at this time, the family is asking for privacy as it deals with their tragic loss.
Gov. Phil Murphy released a statement, in part saying, “Officer Sicknick gave his life protecting the United States Capitol, and by extension, our very democracy, from violent insurrection."
The governor went on to say “his needless murder at the hands of a mob bent on overthrowing the Constitution he had dedicated his life to upholding is shocking. It is my fervent hope that the rioters whose actions directly contributed to his death are quickly identified and brought to justice.”
Murphy has ordered that the U.S. and New Jersey flags be flown at half-staff at all state buildings and facilities on Monday, Jan. 11, in honor of Sicknick.
According to Assistant Superintendent of Schools Jeffrey Bicsko, Sicknick graduated from the Middlesex County Vocational and Technical School - East Brunswick Campus on June 18, 2007.
Sicknick’s career major was electronics. During his four years, Bicsko says Sicknick was well liked by the faculty, who described him as a steady worker, fine student and a nice young man.
According to school records, Sicknick wanted to be a police officer.  The Middlesex County Vocational and Technical Schools will plant an oak tree on the East Brunswick campus to symbolize his strength. 
Sicknick was also in the New Jersey National Guard from 1997 to 2003, having been deployed overseas twice. Lt. Col. Barbara Brown, a state public affairs officer with the New Jersey National Guard says, “Staff Sgt. Sicknick's commitment to service and to protect his community, state and nation will never be forgotten.”
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has also ordered the flags at the Capitol building be lowered, flying at half-staff to honor Sicknick. She also released a statement, sending her condolences to Sicknick's family on behalf of the House of Representatives.
President-elect Joe Biden also offered his condolences to the Sicknick family.
Prosecutors are planning to open a federal murder investigation into his death.