In a recent development, a federal judge in Washington, D.C., has ruled that only part of a lawsuit filed against former president Donald Trump regarding the death of Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick may move forward. U.S. District Court Judge Amit Mehta issued a split decision on the suit brought by Sicknick's longtime partner, Sandra Garza.

Judge Mehta's ruling on Tuesday allows Garza to proceed with her civil lawsuit against Trump over Officer Sicknick's death after the events of January 6, 2021. However, the judge dismissed the wrongful death and negligence civil counts against Trump. Instead, he will allow Garza to pursue her claims against Trump under D.C.'s Survival Act, which permits legal action on behalf of deceased individuals. As the representative of Sicknick's estate, Garza has the legal standing to proceed with the lawsuit.

Garza filed the lawsuit against Trump, as well as the Jan. 6 defendants George Tanios and Julian Khater. While Khater was sentenced to over six years in prison after admitting to spraying Officer Sicknick, Tanios pleaded guilty to lesser charges. It is important to note that neither of the defendants were criminally charged with Sicknick's death.

Mark Zaid, one of the attorneys representing Garza, expressed satisfaction with the judge's decision. He stated, "We are pleased to see that our lawsuit in pursuit of justice for the late Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick, who died in the aftermath of the January 6th insurrection, has been permitted to continue. We are now considering our next step options, to include deposing former President Trump."

The ruling comes after the D.C. medical examiner's office previously stated that Officer Sicknick's death was due to natural causes. The office cited two strokes at the base of his brainstem caused by a clot in an artery. However, it was noted that "all that transpired played a role in his condition," referencing Sicknick's defense of the Capitol during the events of January 6.

Separately, Trump is facing criminal charges related to his alleged attempts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election, including his actions surrounding January 6. Despite these accusations, Trump has repeatedly denied any culpability for the attack.

As the lawsuit proceeds, it remains to be seen how the legal battle will unfold and what implications it may have in the broader context of accountability for the events that unfolded on January 6, 2021.