Police officer Howard Liebengood dies by suicide after Capitol riot

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A veteran US Capitol Police officer has died by suicide, authorities and sources said on Sunday, days after he responded to the riot that killed five people including another member of his department. Officer Howard Liebengood, 51, died on Saturday while off-duty, the department announced in a statement. He was assigned to the Senate Division, and has been with the Department since April 2005. Officials said that, Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, and colleagues. We ask that his family, and other USCP officers and their families privacy be respected during this profoundly difficult time. The department did not disclose the circumstances of Officer Liebengood’s death, but sources characterised it as an apparent suicide. The head of the department’s labour union said that Officer Liebengood was among police who responded to last week’s riot. Gus Papathanasiou in a statement to several media outlets said, we are reeling from the death of Officer Liebengood Every Capitol Police Officer puts the security of others before their own safety and Officer Liebengood was an example of the selfless service that is the hallmark of USCP. This is a tragic day. The Speaker of the House, Democrat Nancy Pelosi also issued a statement after the death of Officer Liebengood. She said, on behalf of the House of Representatives, I send deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Officer Howard Liebengood. Officer Liebengood was a patriot who dedicated his life to defending the Capitol and protecting all who serve, work in and visit this temple of our Democracy. His passing is a great tragedy that compounds the horror of this past week. May Officer Liebengood’s service be an inspiration to support and defend the Constitution and protect the American people. And may it be a comfort to Officer Liebengood’s family that so many mourn with and pray for them at this sad time.