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Gunther Hashida Has Become the Fourth U.S. Capitol Police Officer to Die by Suicide

Gunther Hashida Has Become the Fourth U.S. Capitol Police Officer to Die by Suicide

Gunther Hashida was among the police officers who attempted to defend the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C. from a mob of would-be insurrectionists on January 6, and has now become the fourth such officer to die by suicide in the wake of the events. “We are grieving as a Department as our thoughts and prayers are with Officer Hashida’s family and friends,” said Metropolitan Police Department spokesperson Brianna Burch in an email to the Daily Beast.

Hashida was a two-decade veteran of the force who left behind a wife and three children, according to a GoFundMe page that is raising money for the family. “In his work as an officer with the DC Metropolitan Police Department, he worked to serve and protect the public,” the fundraising page reads. “He was a devoted and loving husband and father.”

His tragic death follows the deaths of two other officers who spent January 6 attempting to keep a mob of rioters at bay and U.S. Senators safe. Officer Howard Liebengood took his life on January 9 and MPD officer Jeffrey Smith did the same a few days later.

On July 10, Metropolitan Police Officer Kyle DeFreytag was found dead in his home, according to CNN. DeFreytag had been a police officer since November of 2016.

During a panel hearing in July, Capitol Police Officer Harry Dunn implored his fellow officers struggling with the events of January 6 to reach out and seek help. “I want to take this moment and speak to my fellow officers about the emotions they are continuing to experience from the events of January 6. There is absolutely nothing wrong with seeking professional counseling,” Dunn said.

“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.”

If you or anyone you know is suffering from depression or suicidal thoughts, know there is help. Please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). There are people waiting to talk and help.

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