Officer Gunther Hashida was “found deceased in his residence on Thursday, July 29,” Metropolitan Police Department spokesperson Kristen Metzgerconfirmed to CNNon Monday.
Hashida was assigned to the Emergency Response Team within the Special Operations Division. He joined the police force in 2003, Metzger wrote.
“We are grieving as a Department and our thoughts and prayers are with Officer Hashida’s family and friends,” the statement continued.
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In a statement on social media Monday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi wrote that Hashida “risked his life to save our Capitol, the Congressional community and our very Democracy.”
“All Americans are indebted to him for his great valor and patriotism on January 6th & throughout his selfless service,” she continued. “May his life be an inspiration to all to protect our Country & Democracy. And may it be a comfort to his family that so many mourn their loss at this sad time.”
A fourth officer,Brian Sicknickof the USCP, died on Jan. 7 from injuries he sustained “while physically engaging with protesters” at the riots.
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In July, four Capitol Police Officersgave emotional testimoniesduring day one of a House Committee hearing on the Jan. 6 riots, explaining how they fought for their own lives while working to protect the building and the lawmakers inside.
Fanone explained how he was beaten and “electrocuted again and again and again” with a taser, while he could hear rioters yelling, “Get his gun and kill him with his own gun.”
From left: Sgt. Aquilino Gonell, DC Metropolitan Police Department officer Michael Fanone, DC Metropolitan Police Department officer Daniel Hodges and U.S. Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn.Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
In an effort to appeal to the attackers' consciences, Fanone said he told them he was a father with kids at home.
“I said as loud as I could manage, ‘I’ve got kids,’ " he said. At that point, some of the rioters allowed him space and he was brought inside the building.
Charges have been filedagainst more than 500 citizens accused of participating in the violent riot. Some face more serious charges, and many have not yet entered a plea. So far, three peoplehave been sentencedfor their roles in the attacks.
source: people.com
