The FBI has reduced a suspect in the death of Capitol police officer Brian Sicknick, according to several media reports.
Identifying the man believed to have used bear spray against several people during the Jan. 6 raid on the U.S. Capitol is a priority for the agency, CBS News reports, citing unidentified sources.
It is unclear exactly how New Jersey-born Sicknick, 42, died. The day after the attack, Capitol police said Sicknick was injured “while physically interacting with protesters.” Several reports said he was hit with a fire extinguisher. But now it looks like his death may have been triggered by a response to bear spray, a chemical that irritates the eyes, nose and lungs and can make them inflamed.
The New York Times first reported that a suspect was identified in the case.
Capitol police, however, issued a statement Friday night in response to reports saying the forensic doctor’s report is not yet complete.
“We are awaiting toxicology results and continue to work with other government agencies regarding the investigation of the death,” the statement said.
The FBI did not immediately respond to a request for clarification Saturday.
Sicknick was honored at the United States Capitol and was scheduled to be buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
More than 300 people who took part in the Capitol riot have been charged with various crimes.