02.03.21

Durbin: I Will Remember Officer Sicknick During next Week's Impeachment Trial

WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), incoming Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today honored Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick, who suffered fatal injuries during the insurrection on January 6, following a ceremony where Officer Sicknick was lying in honor in the Capitol Rotunda.  Durbin also argued that the Senate has a responsibility to move forward with the second impeachment trial for former President Donald Trump.

“Next week, we begin the impeachment trial.  The House of Representatives has accused this President of instigating an insurrection.  When you think of it, could there be anything more serious than provoking a group for the violent overthrow of a legitimate government process?” Durbin asked.   “Some say we shouldn’t do this impeachment.  They argue that any speech given by the President to this mob was protected by the First Amendment.  Well, if the First Amendment was designed to protect activities to overthrow our government, then it was a recipe for a democracy that would die of its own accord.  I think we know better.”  

Durbin concluded, “After the ceremony in the Rotunda, I went to the Rayburn Room in the House.  I met with Officer Sicknick’s family.  We stood and talked for a few minutes.  In respect to them, I will not repeat our conversation, but I’m going to remember it.  And I’m going to remember them.  And though I didn’t meet him [Officer Sicknick] personally, I will remember him next week when this impeachment trial is under way.  And for everyone who makes the argument to ‘get over it,’ I’ll remember one Capitol police officer who gave his life to protect me and this Capitol.  I’m also going to remember his family, the loss that they’ve endured because of a political exercise based on a big lie propagated by the former President of the United States.”

Video of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.

Audio of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.

Footage of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here for TV Stations.

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