Hero Down: DC Metro Police Officer Gunther Hashida Found Dead Of Suicide

Washington, DC – DC Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Officer Gunther Hashida died by suicide on July 29, according to his department.

The 43-year-old officer’s body was discovered at his home, MPD spokesperson Kristen Metzger confirmed to CNN.

Officer Hashida joined the MPD in 2003 and was assigned to the agency’s Special Operations Division Emergency Response Team at the time of his death.

He also was among the multitude of officers who responded to the riot at the U.S. Capitol Building on Jan. 6, CNN reported.

“We are grieving as a Department and our thoughts and prayers are with Officer Hashida’s family and friends,” Metzger told the news outlet.

Officer Hashida leaves behind his wife and three children, according to a fundraising campaign established to help his family in the wake of their loss.

He is also survived by his sister and his “wonderful family,” the page read.

The fund has raised over $ 16,500 so far.

Officer Hashida’s death came less than one week after four law enforcement officers who were at U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6 testified before the special Congressional committee tasked with investigating the riot.

Public support for the continued investigation of the riot waned after the testimony.

Officer Hashida is the third officer who responded to the riot who subsequently committed suicide.

U.S. Capitol Police Officer Howard “Howie” Liebengood took his own life on Jan. 9, and MPD Officer Jeffrey Smith died by suicide on Jan. 15.

Officer Hashida will be laid to rest on Friday, according to his obituary.

GoFundMe Page:
Hashida leaves behind a loving wife, sister, 3 children, and a wonderful family. In his work as an officer with the DC Metropolitan Police Dept, he worked to serve and protect the public. He was a devoted and loving husband and father. https://t.co/u8AcgWw9K7

— Frida Ghitis (@FridaGhitis) August 2, 2021

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of DC Metropolitan Police Department Officer Gunther Hashida, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.

Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.