US Capitol Police officer Howard Liebengood died off duty, just days after the MAGA riot.
- The Capitol Police union said that the officer had been a 15-year veteran of the force.
- Although two sources claim that Officer Liebengood has died by apparent suicide, a cause of death has not officially been disclosed.
- US Capitol Police: “We ask that his family, and other USCP officers’ and their families’ privacy be respected during this profoundly difficult time.”
On Sunday, the Capitol Police confirmed the death of Officer Howard Liebengood.
Officer Howard Liebengood died on January 9 while he was off-duty. According to PEOPLE, the United States Capitol Police officer was a 15-year veteran who responded to Wednesday’s violent riots. On January 10, the USCP released the following statement, confirming Officer Liebengood’s off-duty death:
The United States Capitol Police is deeply saddened by the off-duty death on January 9, 2021, of Officer Howard Liebengood, age 51. He was assigned to the Senate Division, and has been with the Department since April 2005. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, and colleagues. We ask that his family, and other USCP officers’ and their families’ privacy be respected during this profoundly difficult time.
United States Capitol Police Officer Howard Liebengood, age 51, died by apparent suicide, a Capitol Police source confirmed to Roll Call.
— Chris Marquette (@ChrisMarquette_) January 10, 2021
I was so sad to learn that Officer Liebengood of the Capitol Police has died by suicide. Let us acknowledge the extent of the pain around us.
— Rep. Andy Levin (@RepAndyLevin) January 10, 2021
Two sources claimed that Officer Liebengood died by apparent suicide.
Chris Marquette and Rep. Andy Levin tweeted that the US Capitol Police officer died by apparent suicide. However, despite these claims, authorities have not revealed Officer Liebengood’s cause of death. Moreover, according to reporter Claudia Grisales, the United States Capitol Police released a statement but it “is not confirming official cause of death as of yet.” The aforementioned statement read:
The Officers of the United States Capitol Police (USCP) are deeply saddened at the loss yesterday of Officer Howard Liebengood, a fifteen-year veteran of the force.
We extend our deepest sympathies to Officer Liebengood’s family and we mourn the death of a friend and colleague who worked alongside us to protect the lives of the Members of Congress, their staff and all who serve at the U.S. Capitol.
Officer Liebengood joined the USCP in April 2005 and was assigned to the Senate Division. He was among the officers who responded to the rioting at the U.S. Capitol on January 6th.
We pay tribute to his service and we grieve for the loss of a fellow officer.
The U.S. Capitol Police union issues a statement Officer Howard Liebengood, a 15-year veteran, has died. He responded to Wednesday’s violent riot. USCP is not confirming official cause of death as of yet. He’s the second officer to die since the attack. pic.twitter.com/O84QsN9tFD
— Claudia Grisales (@cgrisales) January 10, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the friends, family, and colleagues of Officer Liebengood.
