The family of a police officer snubs the Senate Republican leader following riots at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.
It happened during a ceremony for officials defending a Washington, D.C. landmark against Donald Trump supporters.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the officials received the Congressional Gold Medal for “courageously responding to the call to defend democracy in one of the nation’s darkest hours.”
Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell commented: “Thank you for supporting us. Thank you for saving our country. Thank you for being not only our friend but our hero.”
But when Brian Sicknick’s family died after suffering two strokes on January 7, they lined up and passed Mr McConnell, refusing to shake his outstretched hand.
In contrast, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer was kissed by the late military officer’s mother, Gladys Sicknick.
Gladys Sinick, left, mother of late U.S. Capitol Police Officer Brian Sinick, is welcomed by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.Image: Apps
Charles and Gladys Sicknick at the ceremony.Photo: Associated Press
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To honor the hundreds of officers who were at the Capitol on Jan. 6, the medals will be placed at four locations: Capitol Police Headquarters, the Metropolitan Police Department, the Capitol and the Smithsonian Institution.
President Joe Biden said one was placed at the Smithsonian “so that all visitors can learn about what happened that day.”
“Many of us still carry mental, physical and emotional scars,” Metropolitan Police Commissioner Robert Conti said.
“It’s your blood, your sweat and your tears that have marked the grounds,” he told police.
U.S. Capitol Police Chief Thomas Manger called it “a day unlike any in the history of our country — and it is a day for us.”
He added: “This is a day of chaos, courage and tragic loss.”