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 PhillipsArchitect of the Capitol considering display on Jan. 6 riot Rep. Phillips says he did not truly understand white privilege until the Capitol riot Lawmakers say they are 'targets,' ask to boost security MORE (@RepDeanPhillips) January 8, 2021
More than 50 officers were injured and 15 hospitalized in the standoff against supporters of President Trump
Donald TrumpFauci: U.S. political divide over masks led to half a million COVID-19 deaths Georgia bishop says state GOP's elections bill is an 'attempt to suppress the Black vote' Trump closer to legal jeopardy after court ruling on tax returns MORE, who breached the Capitol in an attempt to stop Congress from certifying President-elect Joe Biden
Joe BidenTikTok users spread conspiracy that Texas snow was manufactured by the government The problem with a one-size-fits-all federal minimum wage hike Throwing money at Central America will not curb illegal migration MORE's election.
Donald TrumpFauci: U.S. political divide over masks led to half a million COVID-19 deaths Georgia bishop says state GOP's elections bill is an 'attempt to suppress the Black vote' Trump closer to legal jeopardy after court ruling on tax returns MORE, who breached the Capitol in an attempt to stop Congress from certifying President-elect Joe BidenJoe BidenTikTok users spread conspiracy that Texas snow was manufactured by the government The problem with a one-size-fits-all federal minimum wage hike Throwing money at Central America will not curb illegal migration 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 PelosiOfficers set for grilling over mob attack Schumer sets up confirmation blitz in Senate Lawmakers propose draft bill to create Capitol riot commission MORE's (D-Calif.) demands, as did the House sergeant-at-arms. Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer
Chuck SchumerLawmakers propose draft bill to create Capitol riot commission The Hill's Morning Report - Presented by The AIDS Institute - COVID-19 rescue bill a unity test for Dems OVERNIGHT ENERGY: US officially rejoins Paris climate agreement | Biden Energy Dept orders sweeping review of Trump energy rules | Texas power grid was 'seconds and minutes' from total failure, officials say 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 PelosiOfficers set for grilling over mob attack Schumer sets up confirmation blitz in Senate Lawmakers propose draft bill to create Capitol riot commission MORE's (D-Calif.) demands, as did the House sergeant-at-arms. Senate Minority Leader Charles SchumerChuck SchumerLawmakers propose draft bill to create Capitol riot commission The Hill's Morning Report - Presented by The AIDS Institute - COVID-19 rescue bill a unity test for Dems OVERNIGHT ENERGY: US officially rejoins Paris climate agreement | Biden Energy Dept orders sweeping review of Trump energy rules | Texas power grid was 'seconds and minutes' from total failure, officials say 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.
