Media outlets Thursday night incorrectly reported that a Capitol Hill police officer had died during the riot at the Capitol on Wednesday.
"Media reports regarding the death of a United States Capitol Police (USCP) officer are not accurate," Eva Malecki, communications director for the Capitol Police said in a statement. "Although some officers were injured and hospitalized yesterday, no USCP officers have passed away."
"We ask that our officers’ and their families’ privacy be respected at this time," she added. "Should a statement become necessary, the Department will issue one at the appropriate time."
Police union representatives reportedly told reporters that an officer died Thursday, but later stated that the officer in question would be taken off life support Friday morning.
Lawmakers also tweeted about the alleged death Thursday evening.
NEW: A U.S. Capitol Police officer has died from yesterday’s riot. That makes five known deaths from Trump’s insurrection. We must have accountability.
— Lloyd DoggettLloyd Alton DoggettHouse panel advances portion of relief package that includes ,400 checks Democrats urge repeal of business loss tax breaks in relief package Pediatrician killed in hostage situation at Texas medical center MORE (@RepLloydDoggett) January 7, 2021
I’ve been advised a US Capitol Police officer has died of injuries sustained in yesterday’s assault on the Capitol. My heart goes out to the family of the officer and to all who risk their lives every day to protect and serve our communities with dignity and principle.
— Rep. Dean PhillipsDean PhillipsCurator estimates Capitol art damage from mob totals K Architect of the Capitol considering display on Jan. 6 riot Rep. Phillips says he did not truly understand white privilege until the Capitol riot MORE (@RepDeanPhillips) January 8, 2021
More than 50 officers were injured and 15 hospitalized in the standoff against supporters of President Trump
Donald TrumpSouth Carolina Senate adds firing squad as alternative execution method Ex-Trump aide Pierson won't run for Dallas-area House seat House Oversight panel reissues subpoena for Trump's accounting firm MORE, who breached the Capitol in an attempt to stop Congress from certifying President-elect Joe Biden
Joe BidenIntercept bureau chief: minimum wage was not 'high priority' for Biden in COVID-19 relief South Carolina Senate adds firing squad as alternative execution method Obama alum Seth Harris to serve as Biden labor adviser: report MORE's election.
Donald TrumpSouth Carolina Senate adds firing squad as alternative execution method Ex-Trump aide Pierson won't run for Dallas-area House seat House Oversight panel reissues subpoena for Trump's accounting firm MORE, who breached the Capitol in an attempt to stop Congress from certifying President-elect Joe BidenJoe BidenIntercept bureau chief: minimum wage was not 'high priority' for Biden in COVID-19 relief South Carolina Senate adds firing squad as alternative execution method Obama alum Seth Harris to serve as Biden labor adviser: report MORE's election.Congress certified the election overnight despite the objections of some Republicans.
The ground-shattering riot has led to numerous calls for Vice President Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment alongside a majority of the Cabinet to defang Trump in the last 13 days of his presidency. Democrats have discussed impeaching Trump a second time to remove him due to his role in inciting the riot.
Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund said earlier in the evening that he would resign in accordance with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi
Nancy PelosiBiden coronavirus relief bill tests narrow Democratic majority Some Republicans say proxy voting gives advantage to Democrats Gun violence prevention groups optimistic background check legislation can pass this Congress MORE's (D-Calif.) demands, as did the House sergeant-at-arms. Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer
Chuck SchumerA Biden stumble on China? First Black secretary of Senate sworn in Republican Ohio Senate candidate calls on GOP rep to resign over impeachment vote MORE (D-N.Y.) said he would fire the Senate sergeant-at-arms if he did not resign by the time Schumer became majority leader later in the month.
Nancy PelosiBiden coronavirus relief bill tests narrow Democratic majority Some Republicans say proxy voting gives advantage to Democrats Gun violence prevention groups optimistic background check legislation can pass this Congress MORE's (D-Calif.) demands, as did the House sergeant-at-arms. Senate Minority Leader Charles SchumerChuck SchumerA Biden stumble on China? First Black secretary of Senate sworn in Republican Ohio Senate candidate calls on GOP rep to resign over impeachment vote MORE (D-N.Y.) said he would fire the Senate sergeant-at-arms if he did not resign by the time Schumer became majority leader later in the month. Updated: 8:45 p.m.
Editor's note: CNN had initially reported the officer's death and an earlier version of this story reflected that.
