Three members of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) injured during the US Capitol siege and the family of Brian Sicknick, the Capitol Police officer who died from injuries he sustained on January 6, attended the Super Bowl on Sunday after being invited by the National Football League (NFL).
MPD Officers Mike Fanone, Daniel Hodges and Lila Morris were present as guests of the NFL at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay, Florida to watch the game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
DC Metro Police Officers Mike Fanone, Daniel Hodges and Lila Morris are attending the Super Bowl as NFL’s guests in recognition of their heroism during Jan. 6 attack at Capitol Bldg. Family of fallen Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick also in attendance as honored guests.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 7, 2021
The trio were invited to the event as honored guests by NFL’s chief security officer, Cathy Lanier, who is a former chief of DC police, “in recognition of their heroism during Jan. 6 attack at Capitol” building, according to ESPN reporter Adam Schefter.
DC Mayor Muriel Bowser thanked the League in a tweet for its honoring of “our (super)heroes” from MPD at the Super Bowl.
Thank you, @NFL, for honoring our (super)heroes from @DCPoliceDept at the #SuperBowl pic.twitter.com/eqsn1qS4Xq
— Muriel Bowser (@MurielBowser) February 8, 2021
The DC Police Union also praised the NFL’s nice gesture on its Twitter page.
Nice to see members of @DCPoliceUnion honored at #SuperBowl for their heroism. pic.twitter.com/4etxejYd0Q
— DC Police Union (@DCPoliceUnion) February 8, 2021
Officer Fanone was among the DC police officers who responded to the Capitol complex after the US Capitol Police (USCP) requested MPD’s support during a pro-Donald Trump mob’s attack in an attempt to disrupt the certification of President Joe Biden‘s election win.
Fanone was reportedly beaten by the rioters and was tased multiple times in front of the Capitol building on January 6. “Kill him with his own gun,” the crowd chanted while assaulting him, the officer told the media. He was taken to a hospital and was later told by doctors that he has a mild heart attack on that day.
Last month, the FBI released photographs of seven suspects who were allegedly involved in the beating of Fanone.
A student at DC’s Gallaudet University was arrested in mid-January for allegedly wielding a Taser which is suspected to be related to the assault on Fanone.
USCP Officer Sicknick was killed at the Capitol riot after he was struck in the head with a fire extinguisher. He lay in honor in the Capitol Rotunda on February 2-3. President Biden, First Lady Jill Biden, and members of Congress paid their respects to him.
The officer was buried at Arlington National Cemetery following a congressional tribute ceremony.
Around 140 officers with USCP and MPD were injured during the insurrection.
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