Mental health a focus as fourth January 6 police officer takes his own life

The fallout from the January 6 insurrection continues.

Late Monday evening, Washington DC Metro Police confirmed two of its officers who responded to the Capitol that day took their own lives.

The department confirmed that Officers Kyle DeFreytag and Gunther Hashida took their own lives last month. 

Washington D.C. @MayorBowser issues a statement after three DC Police officers who responded to the insurrection at the Capitol on January 6 took their own lives. @StraightArrow__ https://t.co/dIqV4ZBQrt

— Annie Andersen (@Annie_Andersen) August 3, 2021

DeFreytag joined the police department five years ago. He was just 26 years old.

The confirmation of his death came just hours after Metro Police confirmed Hashida’s death.

According to his obituary, Hashida joined the department in 2003. He would have been 44 on Thursday.

Following his death, lawmakers posted tributes to him.

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.

— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) August 2, 2021

Sofia & I extend our deepest condolences to the family & loved ones of Officer Hashida. May we never forget his service & sacrifice, or the role he played in protecting our democracy on 1/6.

This tragedy reminds us the importance of accountability & uncovering the whole truth.

— Adam Kinzinger (@RepKinzinger) August 2, 2021

Four officers who responded to the insurrection have taken their own lives. Capitol Police Officer Howard Liebengood and MPD Officer Jeffrey Smith both died of suicide shortly after January 6.

Post traumatic stress disorder and mental health were focuses of last week’s hearing of the Select Committee on the January 6 attack.

Capitol Police Officer Harry Dunn told the committee he is getting treatment and urged his fellow officers to do the same if they feel they need it.

He testified, “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. I also respectfully ask this Select Committee to review the services available to us and consider whether they are sufficient to meet our needs.”

The CDC calculates that more than 47,000 Americans died from suicide in 2019. The National Suicide Prevention Hotline is 800-273-8255. There is always someone available at any time of day.