Who is Gunther Hashida's wife? Third officer dies by suicide after responding to Capitol riots
DC Metropolitan Police Officer, Gunther Hashida, who protected the US Capitol against a pro-Trump mob on January 6, died by suicide. Police confirmed the report of his demise on Monday, August 2. Hashida, 43, is the third cop to kill himself among those who responded to the Capitol rioters.
According to reports, Hashida was discovered dead at his home on Thursday, July 29. MPD spokesperson Brianna Burch spoke of Hashida's demise and said, "We are grieving as a Department as our thoughts and prayers are with Officer Hashida’s family and friends." Further details around his death are not disclosed at the moment.
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Hashida joined the department in 2003 and dedicated himself to MPD’s Emergency Response Team within its Special Operations Division. It is important to note here that the news of Hashida’s death comes months after two other police officers died by suicide who responded to the mob of rioters on January 6. US Officer Howard Liebengood took his life three days after the riot and officer Jeffrey Smith, 35, killed himself weeks later. Liebengood, 51, shot himself in his patrol car on January 15.
Speaking of Hashida's demise, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a statement, "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. All Americans are indebted to him for his great valor and patriotism on January 6th and throughout his selfless service. May Officer Hashida’s life be an inspiration to all to protect our Country and Democracy. And may it be a comfort to Officer Hashida’s family that so many mourn their loss and pray for them at this sad time."
Who is Gunther Hashida's wife?
Hashida is survived by his wife, Romelia and two sons, Gunther Jr and Josh and a daughter, Victoria. The couple were married for 17 years. Romelia shared a photo Sunday, August 1, 2021, on Facebook after her husband’s death. The photo had Gunther with his arm around his wife and Romelia and was captioned with a poem, “I Only Wanted You”, by Hayley Foster.
Hashida's family set up a GoFundMe page that has raised more than $11,000 for his memorial. The description read, "On July 29, 2021, we lost Gunther Hashida, who leaves behind a loving wife, sister, 3 children, and a wonderful family. In his work as an officer with the DC Metropolitan Police Department, he worked to serve and protect the public. He was a devoted and loving husband and father. This fund will help support his memorial service and his family in the loss of his love and guidance. We really appreciate all your support. Thank you." Hashida's family has not attributed his death to the Capitol riots yet.