![]() That claim was first published by The New York Times on January 8 in an article headlined “Capitol Police Officer Dies From Injuries in Pro-Trump Rampage.” It cited “two law enforcement officials” to claim that Sicknick died “with the mob rampaging through the halls of Congress” and after he “was struck with a fire extinguisher.”Ī second New York Times article from later that day - bearing the more dramatic headline: “He Dreamed of Being a Police Officer, Then Was Killed by a Pro-Trump Mob” - elaborated on that story: The New York Times, in a now-”updated” article, Jan. One of the most significant of these falsehoods was the tale - endorsed over and over without any caveats by the media for more than a month - that Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick was murdered by the pro-Trump mob when they beat him to death with a fire extinguisher. And anyone who tries to correct these falsehoods is instantly attacked with the cynical accusation that if you want only truthful reporting about what happened, then you’re trying to “minimize” what happened and are likely an apologist for if not a full-fledged supporter of the protesters themselves. Yet this is exactly what has happened, and continues to happen, since that riot almost seven weeks ago. The more consequential the event, the less justified, and more harmful, serial journalistic falsehoods are. There is no circumstance or motive that justifies the dissemination of false claims by journalists. Condemning that riot does not allow, let alone require, echoing false claims in order to render the event more menacing and serious than it actually was. Any time force or violence is introduced into what ought to be the peaceful resolution of political conflicts, it should be lamented and condemned.īut none of that justifies lying about what happened that day, especially by the news media. As such, it should not be controversial to regard it as a dangerous episode. What took place at the Capitol on January 6 was undoubtedly a politically motivated riot. And hopefully, can be respectfully-and not politically-honored for his service and sacrifice to our country.Flash grenade illuminates occupation of Capitol by MAGA insurrectionists. Yet more importantly, we hope politicians may pause for a moment-and cease the political nonsense and hollow rhetoric-and sincerely honor Officer Sicknick. But we do not expect Booker or other politicians to correct themselves. 6 should think of him.” There is obviously doubt. This crime demands the full attention of federal law enforcement officials, and anyone who still harbors doubt about what happened here on Jan. Speaking about Officer Sicknick on the Senate floor, Senator Cory Booker said “this great man was murdered. Law enforcement sources told CNN that they had reviewed video and photographs that show Officer Sicknick engaging with rioters, but have yet to identify a moment in which he suffered fatal injuries.Įven more suspicious is the lack of information and specifics about the circumstances of his death. Making this matter even more political, federal investigators announced that they are “struggling” to build a murder case against anyone in his death. If our suspicion proves correct, then Officer Sicknick’s death was undeniably used as a prop for the sake of politics, and even worse, for the sake of political gain. This coincides with what his family said just days after his death, indicating that they believed he may have died from a medical condition. Yet beyond the politics and pandering, there are facts.Īnd while we do not have the autopsy results yet, sources have advised that there are no indications that Officer Sicknick sustained blunt force trauma. And even a response such as this-in standing up to acknowledge Officer Sicknick’s sacrifice and speaking out to make the request of his family heard-we find ourselves faced with even more disrespectful and disingenuous political rhetoric. Which evidences that despite the family’s request, many could not resist making this tragedy a matter of politics.Īs the family of Officer Sicknick recognized early on, this tragedy was being consumed by politics. After our initial reports on Sicknick’s tragic death, we were flooded with hatred against law enforcement and against President Trump. Some even went further and wanted others to believe that President Trump himself was part of the beating. Media outlets, politicians, spin artists, and many others keep telling the story that “terrorist Trump supporters” beat Officer Sicknick to death with a fire extinguisher. A week after the tragic death of Capital Hill Police Officer Brian Sicknick, Law Officer pointed out the inconsistencies in the media reports-and the warnings from his own family that others should stop making his death “political.” Unfortunately, few listened to us.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |