Capitol Police Officer Kyle DeFreytag committed suicide

A Washington, DC police officer who responded to the deadly riot at the United States Capitol on January 6, committed suicide last month, making him the fourth law enforcement officer to participate in the events of that day to die with his own hand.

Officer Kyle DeFreytag helped enforce the curfew put in place after hundreds of supporters of then-President Donald Trump violated the Capitol in a bid to disrupt the certification of 2020 election results , the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) told WUSA.

DeFreytag passed away on July 10. He has been described as a native of Pennsylvania and a five-year veteran of the DC force.

The officer’s obituary says a memorial service was held in the nation’s capital over the weekend.

Earlier Monday, Metropolitan Police confirmed that Officer Gunther Hashida, a member of an emergency response team within the department’s special operations division, was found dead at his home last week. A GoFundMe page created by a parent 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 worth and his patriotism on January 6 and throughout his selfless service,” Pelosi added. “May the life of Officer Hashida 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 people mourn their loss and pray for them at this sad time. “

The riot resulted in the deaths of five people, including US Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick. Three days after the riot, another Capitol Hill police officer, Howard Liebengood, committed suicide. Metropolitan Police Officer Jeffrey Smith was shot and killed on January 15, a day after being ordered to return to work.

Smith’s widow Erin told the Washington Post in February that one of the rioters hit Smith in the head with a pole during the chaos, causing him constant pain before his death.

More than 500 arrests were made in connection with the attack, and the FBI said it was 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).