Police officer beaten with a fire extinguisher while defending the Capitol from violent MAGA rioters has died

The violent uproar that took place on Wednesday, January 6, as hundreds of pro-Trump supporters stormed the Capitol has claimed its fifth victim—Officer Brian D. Sicknick who died at around 9:30 p.m. ET on the day after the insurrection.

As the violent mob besieged the building, the US Capitol Police department was overwhelmed by the force of the rioters and amidst the chaos, Officer Sicknick was hit in the head with a fire extinguisher. He was later taken to the hospital, but unfortunately did not make it, as reported by New York Post.

A press release put out by the United States Capitol Police read, "Officer Sicknick was responding to the riots on Wednesday, January 6, 2021, at the U.S. Capitol and was injured while physically engaging with protesters. He returned to his division office and collapsed. He was taken to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries."

In the year 2008, Officer Sicknick joined the Capitol Police and also served in the First Responders Unit of the department. With his death being the fifth one connected to the riots, investigations into Officer Sicknick's death will continue, said the department's press release.

While speaking to ABC News, Officer Sicknick's brother said, "After a day of fighting for his life, he passed away a hero. I would like to thank all of his brothers and sisters in law enforcement for the incredible compassion and support they have shown my family. My family and I hope that our privacy can be respected as we grieve. Thank you."

During the riot, the mob of hundreds pushed through the barriers surrounding the building at around 1 pm, and in less than a couple of hours, the police officers were in a standoff with the pro-Trump supporters. The rioters were seen breaking windows, fighting with uniformed officers, and destroying congressional offices inside the building.

Officer Sicknick, like the rest of the Capitol police, were in the midst of chaos, where law enforcement officers were "actively attacked" with pipes and other weapons, according to US Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund, as reported by CNN.

"They were determined to enter into the Capitol Building by causing great damage," said Sund in a statement. "The violent attack on the U.S. Capitol was unlike any I have ever experienced in my 30 years in law enforcement here in Washington, D.C. Maintaining public safety in an open environment -- specifically for First Amendment activities -- has long been a challenge."

An hour before the scheduled debate that day, Rep. Mike Quigley, an Illinois Democrat looked at the "throngs of people surrounding different sections of the Capitol and said, we don't have enough security."

"I'm no expert in security, but you can tell we were out-manned in an hour before the debate," said Quigley, who was locked up in the House chamber with other officials while the police were trying to get things under control.

Despite all that happened, the police officers did what they could as Quigley added, "The Capitol Police I was around did an amazing job under difficult circumstances."

Following the unforgettable attack on the Capitol that left more than 50 police officers injured, Chief Sund is reportedly resigning from his post. According to CBS News, Chief Sund said in his resignation letter, "It has been a pleasure and true honor to serve the United States Capitol Police Board and the Congressional community."