An American was sentenced this Friday to more than six years in prison for having sprayed a chemical substance during the assault on the Capitol against a police officer, Brian Sicknick, who died in the hospital the next day.
Julian Khater had pleaded guilty to using “bear spray”, a powerful aerosol used to repel these large mammals, during the attack on the headquarters of American democracy, on January 6, 2021.
The 42-year-old police officer died in hospital on January 7, with the autopsy report ultimately concluding that he died of “natural” causes after two strokes.
He was not charged with murder.
In a statement issued that day, police said he “was injured in a clash with protesters” and “collapsed upon reaching his team’s offices.”
In one video, cited in the indictment, Julian Khater is seen asking another protester to pass him “that bear thing,” before removing an aerosol can from the latter’s backpack. A little later, he projected its content onto the faces of three agents, including Brian Sicknick’s.
The 30-year-old man was charged with nine charges, including “assault on an officer with a dangerous weapon,” but was not charged with manslaughter.
The tragic fate of Brian Sicknick had shaken many Americans, shocked by the capture of Congress by pro-Trump activists. His remains had been on display at the Capitol, a rare honor, and Joe Biden had paid tribute to him on the spot.
Source: BFM TV
