- The Washington Times - Wednesday, April 7, 2021

The D.C. medical examiner said Wednesday that the cause of death for a U.S. Capitol Police officer who died after responding to the Jan. 6 riot is “still pending.”

Dr. Francisco Diaz, chief medical examiner for the District, said there is no new information to share on the death Officer Brian Sicknick.

Dr. Diaz also declared the death of Capitol invader Ashli Babbitt, 35, a homicide. That is the typical conclusion of a medical examiner when a person’s death arises from the intentional actions of another.

Babbit died from a gunshot wound to the left shoulder, fired by a Capitol Police officer trying to stop her from climbing through a door near the House Chamber.

Babbit was among four invaders who died at the Capitol riot whose cause of death was released Wednesday.

Kevin Greeson, a 55-year-old Trump supporter from Alabama, died of natural causes from cardiovascular disease, the medical examiner said.

Benjamin Phillips, 50, also died of natural causes from cardiovascular disease. Also a Trump supporter, Phillips had organized a trip among several people to attend the pro-Trump rally that preceded the riot.

Roseanne Boyland, 34, died from acute amphetamine intoxication, according to the medical examiner. Her death was described as an “accident” by the medical examiner.

Dr. Diaz did not offer any new information about Sicknick. Conflicting reports have surrounded his cause of death.

The most recent speculation presumes that the 42-year-old Sicknick suffered a stroke after inhaling an aerosol-based “bear spray” during the riot. But authorities have refused to confirm that theory.

Federal prosecutors in Washington have charged two men with assaulting Sicknick during the riot, but have not said if either man played a role in his death.

At a Senate hearing in February, FBI Director Christopher Wray refused to say if the FBI concluded how Sicknick died.

“There is an ongoing investigation into his death,” Mr. Wray said. “We’re not at a point where we can disclose or confirm the cause of death.”

• Jeff Mordock can be reached at jmordock@washingtontimes.com.

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