Capitol police officer's family says riot 'trauma' prompted suicide; seeks 'line of duty' designation

The family of U.S. Capitol Police officer Howard Liebengood, who took his own life in the days following the Jan. 6 insurrection, has released a public statement calling for him to be recognized as suffering a line of duty death.

Officer Howard Liebengood took his own life while off duty on Jan. 9 at the age of 51, officials confirmed at the time. Now, in a statement provided to local affiliate Fox5DC, his loved ones say his death was a direct result of "the trauma he experienced on the job." "Howie Liebengood was a dedicated and beloved officer who served the public for 15 years," a family spokesperson said. "The trauma he experienced on the job resulted in his death. His family hopes and expects the Capitol Police will give him the recognition he deserves, and designate him as an officer who died in the line of duty." The spokesperson also provided a photograph of Liebengood smiling.