Holly MatkinWashington, DC – DC Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Officer Kyle DeFreytag died by suicide on July 10, according to his family.
The 26-year-old officer was among the multitude of officers who responded to the riot at the U.S. Capitol Building on Jan. 6, his mother told WTTG.
Officer DeFreytag was working during the later shift outside the Capitol that day, she said.
The MPD confirmed his death on Monday.
“Officer Kyle DeFreytag, assigned to the Fifth District, was found deceased on Saturday, July 10, 2021,” the department told CBS News, noting that his cause of death was determined to be suicide.
He served the MPD for five years, according to his obituary.
“He liked hiking, camping, riding his motorcycle, he liked traveling and playing the drums, he enjoyed trying different ethnic foods and always knew the best places to eat,” the tribute read. “Kyle was kind, he had a quick wit and a great sense of humor & kept us laughing for 26 years.”
Officer DeFreytag leaves behind his parents, brother, and sister.
He was laid to rest on July 31.
Officer DeFreytag’s death occurred just weeks before 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 DeFreytag is one of four officers who responded to the riot known to have subsequently committed suicide.
MPD Officer Gunther Hashida died by suicide on July 29, the department confirmed on Monday.
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.
Immensely sad 💔 Metro PD Officer Kyle DeFreytag died by suicide. He was a patriot who defended our Capitol and our Democracy on #January6th. Condolences to all who loved him. May his memory be eternal.
If you are struggling, please reach out! Call 800-273-TALK or text 741741 pic.twitter.com/8VEvetwipY
— Christine Pelosi (@sfpelosi) August 3, 2021
Sobering. Feeling compelled to share a resource for others who may be in need of support, as this may be triggering for some. The National Suicide Prevention Hotline is 800-273-8255. There is always someone available 24/7. https://t.co/0bweBgcbon
— leslifoster (@leslifoster) August 3, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of DC Metropolitan Police Department Officer Kyle DeFreytag, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
