4 police officers defending US Capitol commit suicide

Four police officers who responded to the January 6 attack against the US Capitol took their own lives last month, Report informs referring to Kron4.

Veteran Officer Gunther Hashida was found dead last week. Police confirmed to Nexstar that Hashida died by suicide, making him the fourth officer who responded to the January 6 riot to take his own life.

Officer Gunther Hashida, assigned to the Emergency Response Team within the Special Operations Division, was found deceased in his residence on July 29. Officer Hashida joined MPD in May 2003.

Officer Kyle DeFreytag, who joined the department in November 2016, was found dead by suicide on July 10, 2021.

US Capitol Police Officers Howard Liebengood and Jeffrey Smith also died by suicide in January.

“Officer Hashida was a hero, who risked his life to save our Capitol, the Congressional community and our very Democracy,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a statement. “All Americans are indebted to him for his great valor and patriotism on January 6 and throughout his selfless service.”

Pelosi added that she hoped his life would serve as an inspiration to all to protect the country and its 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.”

Hashida left behind a wife, a sister, and three children.