Two suspects have been arrested for an alleged assault on Capitol police officer who died the day after the January 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol building.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, Sicknick died in a hospital the day after the insurrection at the Capitol, where police believe he was attacked by a chemical agent. He had reportedly returned to his office when he experienced a medical emergency. According to multiple reports, Sicknick may have also been hit with a fire extinguisher, though authorities have not confirmed that detail.
According to the Washington Post, Julian Elie Khater, 32, of Pennsylvania and George Pierre Tanios, 39 ,of West Virginia, were arrested on Thursday in connection to the alleged assault on the fallen officer.
NBC News: Two men charged with assault in attack on Capitol police officer who later died.
Here's what the FBI says Julian Khater (identified in the left photo) and George Tanios (identified in the right photo) did:
Story w/ Mike Kosnar & @davidkli https://t.co/dLHU5YZKAL pic.twitter.com/EXwtjwOHoF
— Tom Winter (@Tom_Winter) March 15, 2021
Khater is reportedly seen on police body cam video hitting Sicknick in the face with bear spray.
“Give me that bear s—,” Khater allegedly said to Tanios on video recorded just before 2:15 p.m. on January 6. Sicknick and other officers were reportedly in the same area, standing behind bicycle racks. Two more of those officers were reportedly hit with bear spray, but it does not appear that their injuries were life-threatening.
As the Washington Post report notes, investigators have not yet determined whether the chemical agent caused Sicknick’s death.
Khater and Tanios are facing multiple charges, including assault with a deadly weapon and civil disorder. They are expected to appear in court on Monday.
CrimeOnline will provide further details when more information is available.
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[Feature image: A policeman and National Guard stand guard at a security fence at the entrance to Pennsylvania Avenue ahead of President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration ceremony, Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)]
