A memorial was held on Tuesday in the Capitol in the solemn memory of the policeman who succumbed to his injuries last month in the attack by rioters. US President along with the first lady paid his respects. 

Brain Sicknick has been given the rare honour of being laid down in the Capitol’s Rotunda which is in the building house of the United States Congress. Apart from Sicknick, only 4 other people have been laid down in the Rotunda. These include the Reverend Billy Graham, civil rights icon Rosa Parks, and two other Capitol police officers, Jacob Chestnut and John Gibson, killed during a shooting rampage at the building in 1998, according to the House archives website. 

Sicknick was attacked by Trump supporters and hit on his head with a fire extinguisher while he was struggling to handle the rioters trying to overturn Biden’s election win. He returned to his office after being hit and collapsed and was rushed to the hospital. Brian passed away the next day, according to the Capitol Police. He had served in the force for 42 years.

A total of 5 people died in the siege of the Capitol. 

The flags were lowered over the Capitol in Sicknick’s honour. On January 6, hundred’s of off-duty gathered across the Constitution Avenue in Washington, saluted and paid their respects as a hearse rolled slowly by carrying his body.

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Taking protective and security measures, the House on Tuesday announced precautions which included metal detectors at the entry gates of the House Chamber. But there was expected refusal to abide by the rules from the Republicans, one of whom was Marjorie Taylor Greene. 

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi responded through a statement saying, “It is beyond comprehension why any member would refuse to adhere to these simple, common-sense steps to keep this body safe.”

In response to this refusal, the House then passed a new set of rules penalizing any member who attempts to not follow the screening rules. There will be a heavy penalty of $5000 for the first offence and $10,000 for every offence after that. 

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