Grave Concern #002: We should not forget Officers Sicknick, Liebengood, Smith, Hashida, and DeFreytag
Pro-Trump insurrectionists attacked the U.S. Capitol on Jan 6, 2021. We should continue to honor the officers who lost their lives: Officers Sicknick, Liebengood, Smith, Hashida, and DeFreytag.
The siege on the U.S. Capitol by an estimated 2,000 pro-Trump insurrectionists on January 6, 2021, was an act of domestic terrorism. In response, the Department of Justice launched the largest and most extensive criminal investigation in U.S. history.
One of the officers who was assaulted by the pro-Trump insurrectionists was Officer Brian Sicknick. The rioters sprayed him with pepper spray during the insurrection. He collapsed later that evening and suffered two strokes. Tragically, on January 7, 2021, at 9:30 PM, Officer Sicknick died at the age of 42.
The heartbreaking tragedy did not end there. Officer Howard Liebengood of the Capitol Police and Officer Jeffrey Smith, Officer Gunther Hashida, and Officer Kyle DeFreytag of the Metropolitan DC Police died by suicide within the next 7 months.
In total, five officers died, and 140 officers were seriously injured from the attacks on January 6th.
A total of 1,575 insurrectionists were charged, 1,030 pleaded guilty, and 1,124 were sentenced. Some of the most serious charges were terrorism, seditious conspiracy, acts of physical violence, obstruction of law enforcement, unlawful possession of ammunition and firearms, and entering a restricted area with a dangerous weapon.
On January 20, 2025, in a shameless abuse of power, Trump pardoned or commuted the sentences of the 1,575 insurrectionists with a signed Executive Order.
We should not forget the names of the five officers who lost their lives as a result of Trump’s insurrection on the Capitol, and we should continue to honor the officers.
Brian David Sicknick was born on July 30, 1978, in New Brunswick, New Jersey. He was the youngest of three sons to Gladys and Charles Sicknick. As Officer Sicknick’s family has said, his life can best be characterized as dedicated to public service. He served in the New Jersey Air National Guard and was a Fire Team Member and Leader before joining the United States Capitol Police in 2008.
Officer Sicknick’s empathy was evident in his commitment to rescuing dachshunds in his spare time. He enjoyed relaxing at home with his longtime girlfriend and watching action movies like M*A*S*H, Band of Brothers, South Park, and Reno 911. He was also a big fan of comedians Jimmy Norton and Anthony Cumia.
Throughout his career, Officer Sicknick honorably served his country and the Capitol Police. On January 6, 2021, he fought bravely during the attacks and continued to protect and serve. Following the attacks, Officer Sicknick died on January 7, 2021. He was only 42 years old.
Officer Sicknick leaves behind his parents, Charles and Gladys, his brothers Ken and Craig, his longtime girlfriend of 11 years, Sandra Garza, his Aunt Alberta, Uncle Ray, Cousin Aaron, Aunt Elaine, and his two dachshunds Sparky and Pebbles.
On January 6, 2023, Officer Sicknick was posthumously awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal by President Biden "for his deep dedication and selfless service."
Howard Charles Liebengood was fondly known as "Howie" by his loved ones. Officer Liebengood was born in Manhattan, Kansas, on March 28, 1969, to Howard and Deanna Liebengood. Throughout his career, Officer Liebengood honorably served his country and the Capitol Police. On January 6, 2021, he fought bravely during the attacks and continued to protect and serve. From January 7 through January 9, he worked 24-hour shifts without sleep. On January 9, Officer Liebengood died by suicide. His death was classified in the line of duty. He was only 51 years old. Officer Liebengood is survived by his beloved wife, Serena; brother, John; sister, Anne; and his loving nephews, Harper, John, and Henry; and niece, Genevieve.
On May 14, 2021, the US Capitol Police named their new counseling center after Officer Liebengood.
On January 6, 2023, Officer Liebengood was posthumously awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal by President Biden "for his deep dedication and selfless service."
Officer Jeffrey Smith was a 12-year veteran of the Metropolitan Police Department's second district in Washington, DC. He always felt a calling to be a public servant, which became a reality when he joined the Department in 2008. Officer Smith was an exemplary police officer who enjoyed protecting the citizens and visitors of Washington, DC.
On January 6, 2021, he fought bravely during the attacks and continued to protect and serve.
Officer Smith experienced drastic changes in behavior after the attacks. His wife, Erin, has said, “When my husband left for work on January 6th, he was the Jeff that I knew. When he returned after experiencing the event and being hit on the head with a metal pole, he was a completely different person.”
Officer Smith died by suicide on January 15, 2021. He was only 35 years old.
In 2022, Officer Smith's death was ruled to be in the line of duty, and it was found that the "sole and direct" cause of Officer Smith's death was the injuries he received during the attacks at the Capitol.
On January 6, 2023, President Biden posthumously awarded Officer Smith the Presidential Citizens Medal "for his deep dedication and selfless service."
Officer Gunther Paul Hashida was born on August 5, 1977, to the late Gunter Kleineidam and Hideko Hashida. He graduated from the Police Academy in 2003. He began his long career with the Metropolitan Police Department, where he was assigned to the emergency response team within the special operations division.
He was a dedicated police officer who worked hard to serve and protect the community. In his 18 years with the department, Officer Hashida earned various awards, including the Medal of Valor, Achievement Medal, Lifesaving Medal, Top Cops Honorable Mention, Officer of the Year, and the Cops Award.
Outside of the department, Officer Hashida was a family man. Shortly after graduating from the Police Academy, he married the love of his life, Romelia. His wife, children, family, and friends were his world. He loved being with his children, taking them to baseball practice, and cheering them with every chance he got. He was a loving father, a loving husband, and a great friend.
Officer Hashida died by suicide on July 29, 2021. He was only 43 years old.
On January 6, 2023, Officer Hashida was posthumously awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal by President Biden "for his deep dedication and selfless service."
Officer Kyle DeFreytag was born October 19, 1994, in Canadensis, Pennsylvania, to Frederik and Laura DeFreytag. He served as a Metropolitan DC Police officer for five years. He enjoyed hiking, camping, riding his motorcycle, traveling, playing the drums, trying different ethnic foods, and always knowing the best places to eat. Officer DeFreytag was a very kind man with a quick wit and a great sense of humor.
Officer DeFreytag died by suicide on July 10, 2021. He was only 26 years old.
Officer DeFreytag is survived by his parents, brother Sam, sister Melanie, and brother-in-law Dale.
On January 6, 2023, President Biden posthumously awarded Officer DeFreytag the Presidential Citizens Medal "for his deep dedication and selfless service."