A fourth police officer who responded to the Jan. 6 attack at the U.S. Capitol building by a pro-Trump mob has died by suicide, the Metropolitan Police Department confirmed on Monday.
Officer Kyle DeFreytag, who had been with the department since November 2016, was found dead on July 10. He was 26-years-old.
“I am writing to share tragic news that Officer Kyle DeFreytag of the 5th District was found deceased last evening,” MPD Chief Robert J. Contee III wrote in a mid-July message to the department, according to WUSA9 “This is incredibly hard news for us all, and for those that knew him best.”
The number of officers who responded to the attack and later died by suicide doubled on Monday.
The MPD confirmed a third officer who responded to the attack, Gunther Hashida, 43, died by suicide. Hashida was an 18 year veteran of the MPD and was assigned to the Emergency Response Team within the Special Operations Division.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) released a statement on Monday calling Hashida a “hero” whose efforts to protect the country served as an inspiration.
“Officer Hashida was a hero, who risked his life to save our Capitol, the Congressional community and our very Democracy,” Pelosi wrote. “All Americans are indebted to him for his great valor and patriotism on January 6th and throughout his selfless service.”
“May Officer Hashida’s life be an inspiration to all to protect our Country and Democracy. And may it be a comfort to Officer Hashida’s family that so many mourn their loss and pray for them at this sad time,” she added.
Metropolitan Police Officer Jeffrey Smith, a 12-year veteran of the force, and US Capitol Police Officer Howard Liebengood, a 16-year Capitol Police veteran, also died by suicide in the days after the attack.
If you or someone you know are struggling with suicidal thoughts, help is available 24/7 through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline via the toll-free hotline at 1-800-273-8255. You can also text TALK to 741741.
