A Washington, DC police officer who responded to the deadly riot at the US Capitol on Jan. 6 took his own life last month, making him the fourth law enforcement officer who took part in the events of that day to die by his own hand.
Officer Kyle DeFreytag helped enforce the curfew put in place after hundreds of supporters of then-President Donald Trump breached the Capitol building in an effort to disrupt the certification of the 2020 election results, The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) told WUSA.
DeFreytag died on July 10. He was described as a Pennsylvania native and a five-year veteran of the DC force.
The officer’s obituary said that a memorial service was held in the nation’s capital over the weekend. His family has not said his death was caused by the riot.
Earlier Monday, the Metropolitan Police confirmed that Officer Gunther Hashida, part of an Emergency Response Team within the department’s Special Operations Division, was found dead in his home last week. A GoFundMe page set up by a relative describes Hashida as “a devoted and loving husband and father” who “worked to serve and protect the public.” The page had raised more than $71,000 as of Monday night.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) described Hashida in a statement as “a hero, who risked his life to save our Capitol, the Congressional community and our very Democracy.
“All Americans are indebted to him for his great valor and patriotism on January 6th and throughout his selfless service,” Pelosi added. “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.”
The riot led to the deaths of five people, including US Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick. Three days after the riot, another Capitol Police officer, Howard Liebengood, committed suicide. Metropolitan Police Officer Jeffrey Smith fatally shot himself on Jan. 15, one day after he was ordered back to work.
Smith’s widow, Erin, told The Washington Post in February that one of the rioters hit Smith on the head with a pole during the chaos, causing him constant pain before his death.
More than 500 arrests have been made in connection with the attack, and the FBI has said it is looking for hundreds of additional suspects.
If you or someone you know needs help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255).
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