A U.S. Capitol Police officer who was on the scene during last week’s violent insurrection at the Capitol has died, the Capitol Police announced over the weekend. Howard Liebengood died while off-duty, according to a brief statement released by the agency Sunday. The statement did not link his death to the insurrection.

The chairman of the Capitol Police union, Gus Papathanasiou, said the force is “reeling” from Liebengood’s death. “Every Capitol Police Officer puts the security of others before their own safety and Officer Liebengood was an example of the selfless service that is the hallmark of USCP,” he said in a statement. “This is a tragic day.”

The Capitol Police say Liebengood died “off-duty” but did not provide further details. DCist/WAMU has reached out to the Capitol Police and the union for comment. Fox News and the Washington Post report Liebengood died by suicide.

Liebengood, who went by Howie, was a 15-year veteran of the force assigned to the Senate Division. He was named after his father, Howard S. Liebengood Sr., who served as Senate Sergeant at Arms from 1981 to 1983.

News of Liebengood’s death came just four days after Capitol Police officer Brian D. Sicknick died from injuries sustained during the insurrection at the Capitol. He was 42. More than 50 officers from the Capitol Police and Metropolitan Police forces were injured during the insurrection.

At least four other civilians have died in connection to the event. Ashli Babbitt, an Air Force veteran who embraced the QAnon conspiracy theory, was shot and killed by a Capitol Police officer inside the building on Wednesday. Three other people died of still-unexplained “medical emergencies,” according to officials.

A stream of politicians offered their condolences on social media and in statements following the announcement of Liebengood’s death.

Former senator and secretary of state John Kerry (D-MA) remembered regularly seeing Liebengood stationed near one of his offices in the Russell Building during Kerry’s last years in office.

2. Howie always had a smile on his face, but he also showed great care for the safety of the young staff who worked behind our office doors. A tragic loss of two patriots who spent their careers protecting the halls of democracy.

— John Kerry (@JohnKerry) January 10, 2021

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi sent her condolences to Liebengood’s family and loved ones. “Officer Liebengood was a patriot who dedicated his life to defending the Capitol and protecting all who serve, work in and visit this temple of our Democracy. His passing is a great tragedy that compounds the horror of this past week,” she said in a statement.

Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) tweeted that Liebengood was “well known to me and my staff. His presence was comforting.” Kaine said he was heartbroken to hear of the news.

President Trump ordered flags lowered to half-staff on Sunday in honor of Sicknick and Liebengood.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a hotline for individuals in crisis or for those looking to help someone else. To speak with a certified listener, call 1-800-273-8255.