Third police officer, Gunther Hashida, dies by suicide after defending Capitol during riot by pro-Trump mob

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, in a statement, said, “On behalf of the House of Representatives, I send deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Metropolitan Police Department Officer Gunther Hashida.”

“Officer Hashida was a hero, who risked his life to save our Capitol, the Congressional community and our very Democracy,” said Pelosi, D-Calif. “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.”

Hashida is the fourth police officer to die in connection with the Jan. 6 riot.

Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick, who collapsed in his office after responding to the riot, died on Jan. 7 from two strokes. Washington’s chief medical examiner has said that “all that transpired” during the riot played a role in Sicknick’s condition.

Two other officers who responded to the Capitol riot died by suicide within a month of the attack. 

Those officers, Jeffrey Smith of the MPD and Howard Liebengood of the Capitol Police, both had been with their departments for more than a decade.

A crowdfunding page set up Sunday to pay for a memorial service for Hashida as of Monday afternoon had raised nearly $14,000 from more than 130 donors. The GoFundMe page, which has a $50,000 donation target, said Hashida “leaves behind a loving wife, sister, 3 children, and a wonderful family.”

Article source: https://www.cnbc.com/2021/08/02/3rd-police-officer-gunther-hashida-kills-himself-after-capitol-riot-by-trump-mob.html