Gunther Hashida dead: Third Capitol riot cop ‘dies in suicide’ months after responding to siege
A THIRD police officer who protected the US Capitol from the pro-Trump mob during the January 6 riots has died by suicide.
Washington DC Metropolitan Police Officer Gunther Hashida, 43, was found dead inside his home on Thursday, a statement from the department said.
A spokesperson for the MPD confirmed to The Sun that Hashida killed himself.
He joined MPD in 2003 and was one of the hundreds of officers to respond to the January 6 insurrection, in which legions of Donald Trump supporters stormed the legislature in a bid to stop lawmakers certifying Joe Biden as president.
"We are grieving as a Department and our thoughts and prayers are with Officer Hashida's family and friends," an MPD spokesperson said.
Hashida's death is the
Twelve-year MPD veteran Jeffrey Smith and US Capitol Police Officer Howard Liebengood, a 16-year Capitol Police veteran, also responded to the insurrection and later died by suicide.
Smith, 35, killed himself just three days after the riot and Liebengood, 51, shot himself in his patrol car on his way to work on January 15.
It's currently unclear how Hashida killed himself. His family has not yet attributed his death to the riots.
In a set up to help his wife and three children, organizer Msunshine Benitez wrote: "On July 29, 2021, we lost Gunther Hashida, who leaves behind a loving wife, sister, 3 children, and a wonderful family.
"In his work as an officer with the DC Metropolitan Police Department, he worked to serve and protect the public. He was a devoted and loving husband and father.
"This fund will help support his memorial service and his family in the loss of his love and guidance."
So far the fund has amassed more than $13,000 in donations out of its goal of $50,000.
'DEDICATED, LOVING HUSBAND'
Family and friends have also paid tribute to Hashida on social media, remembering him as a "dedicated" and "loving husband" to his wife of 17-years.
He was also remembered as a "great father, and a close friend to so many.”
"He worked hard for his family and wanted nothing but the best for his wife and kids,” a friend wrote.
Hashida's death comes just days after when protecting the Capitol from the mob of MAGA fans on Jan. 6.
A number of the officers told lawmakers that they suffered both lingering physical and psychological pain - including PTSD - in the attack's wake.
“What makes the struggle harder and more painful is to know so many of my fellow citizens, including so many of the people I put my life at risk to defend, are downplaying or outright denying what happened,” MPD Officer Michael Fanone told a House select committee.
"I feel like I went to hell and back to protect them and the people in this room. But too many are now telling me that hell doesn’t exist or hell actually wasn’t that bad. The indifference shown to my colleagues is disgraceful.”
'FAR FROM OVER'
Capitol Police Officer during the riots and that the trauma of the violent event left him in a "low place."
Telling lawmakers that he is currently in therapy himself, Dunn added: "There is absolutely nothing wrong with seeking professional counseling.
"What we all went through that day was traumatic, and if you are hurting, please take advantage of the counseling services that are available to us."
At least 552 people have been charged in connection with the Capitol riots in the six months since the attack.
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The FBI said last week that it's still yet to identify more than 300 rioters believed to have committed violent acts on the Capitol grounds, including over 200 who assaulted police officers.
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"This is far from over," FBI Director Christopher Wray said in a statement.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741.
