N.H. Gov. Chris Sununu stands with supporters at a polling station at Windham, N.H. High School, Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020, in Windham. Sununu, a Republican, faces Democrat Dan Feltes in the gubernatorial election. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

CONCORD – Two hours after state Sen. Donna Soucy, D-Manchester, called on Republican Gov. Chris Sununu to lower flags to half-staff in honor of the Capitol police officer who died from injuries in Wednesday’s Washington, D.C. riot, Sununu posted on Twitter and in a news release that he was doing so.

It was after President Donald Trump posted his proclamation Sunday lowering flags at the White House and at all federal buildings. Trump had previously refused to do so.

As did Trump, Sununu included in his proclamation Howard Liebengood, a Capitol police officer who reportedly committed suicide while off duty over the weekend after working the day of the riot, and all Capitol police officers. Sununu’s press release was posted shortly after 5 p.m. Sunday.

“Today, in accordance with the President’s proclamation honoring United States Capitol Police Officer Brian D. Sicknick, Howard Liebengood, and all Capitol Police Officers, Governor Chris Sununu directed flags on all public buildings and grounds in the State of New Hampshire to fly at half-staff until sunset, Wednesday, January 13,” Sununu’s press release said.

“Officer Sicknick is an American hero who gave his life defending democracy at the United States Capitol,” Sununu said. “The American people will never forget January 6, 2021 — a day when domestic terrorists attacked our nation’s capital. The sacrifice and bravery of Officer Sicknick and his fellow officers will not be forgotten.”

Sen. Soucy’s tweet at about 3 p.m. said: “New Hampshire’s flags should be at half-staff in honor of slain Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick. I am urging Gov. Chris Sununu to take this step immediately.”

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