In a recent development in the ongoing legal battle surrounding the Capitol riot, a federal judge in Washington has dismissed a wrongful death claim brought against former President Donald Trump. The claim was filed by Sandra Garza, the longtime partner of slain U.S. Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick.

U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta ruled that Garza lacked standing to bring the claim against Trump, as well as defendants Julian Khater and George Tanios. The judge stated that Garza did not meet the legal definition of being Sicknick's domestic partner and therefore could not pursue damages under the applicable statute.

Garza's argument that a domestic partnership was established through Sicknick mentioning her as his domestic partner in his will was deemed without basis. As a result, Garza cannot seek personal damages under the Act.

However, despite the dismissal of this particular claim, Garza's civil suit against the defendants will continue on the remaining allegation. The lawsuit asserts that Trump, Khater, and Tanios engaged in a civil conspiracy to interfere with civil rights. Garza is seeking $10 million in damages from each defendant.

Mark S. Zaid, one of the attorneys representing Garza, expressed their satisfaction with the lawsuit's continuation and mentioned considering the deposition of former President Trump as a potential next step.

Julian Khater, who admitted to spraying Sicknick with a chemical irritant during the riot, pleaded guilty to two counts of assaulting officers in 2022 and was subsequently sentenced to 80 months in prison. George Tanios, who admitted to purchasing the spray, pleaded guilty to lesser misdemeanor charges and has already served his time.

The medical examiner determined that Sicknick suffered two strokes at the base of the brain stem caused by a blood clot, leading to his tragic death a day after the Capitol riot.

Trump continues to face multiple legal challenges related to his alleged role in the Capitol riot. Last month, a federal appeals court rejected his attempts to dismiss civil claims that seek to hold him accountable for the events of the riot, citing the absence of presidential immunity as a defense.