The Senate Republican leader was snubbed by the family of a police officer who died following the riots at the US Capitol on January 6, 2021.
It happened during a ceremony held for officers who defended the Washington DC landmark against Donald Trump supporters.
The officers were awarded Congressional Gold Medals for “bravely answering the call to defend our democracy in one of the nation’s darkest hours,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said.
Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell commented, “Thank you for having your back. Thank you for saving our country. Thank you for not just being our friends, but our heroes.”
But when the family of Brian Sicknick, who died after suffering two strokes on Jan. 7, filed past Mr McConnell, they refused to shake his outstretched hand.
Conversely, Senate Democrat leader Chuck Schumer received a kiss from Gladys Sicknick, the late officer’s mother.
Gladys Sicknick, left, mother of late US Capitol Policeman Brian Sicknick, is greeted by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. photo: ap
Charles and Gladys Sicknick at the ceremony. photo: AP
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Recognizing the hundreds of officers who were at the Capitol on January 6, the medals will be placed at four locations: the United States Capitol Police Headquarters, the Metropolitan Police Department, the Capitol and the Smithsonian Institution.
President Joe Biden said one was placed at the Smithsonian museum “so all visitors can understand what happened that day.”
“Many of us still bear the mental, physical and emotional scars,” Metropolitan Police Chief Robert Contee said.
He told the officers, “It was your blood, your sweat and your tears that marked these grounds.”
US Capitol Police Chief Thomas Manger called it a “day unlike any other in our nation’s history — and for us.”
He added: “It was a day of chaos, courage and tragic loss.”
