Another DC officer who responded to the Capitol Hill riots has died by suicide. Acting MPD Police Chief Robert J. Contee announced the death of Officer Jeffery Smith on Tuesday (Jan. 26).
According to The Washington Post, Smith — who worked in the force for 12 years — was assigned to D.C.’s 2nd District which includes the neighborhoods of Chevy Chase, Cleveland Park and Georgetown. He is the second officer to take his life since the deadly siege at the U.S. Capitol.
Officer Howard Liebengood — a veteran cop who was assigned to the Senate Division and worked in the department for nearly 16 years — died while off-duty in what was characterized as an apparent suicide.
Smith’s death comes weeks after rioters stormed into the Capitol hoping to stop Biden’s presidential certification and get Donald Trump a second term. The government building was ransacked and clashes broke out, unfortunately resulting in multiple injuries. A total of 65 DC police officers were wounded, including Officer Brian Sicknick, who eventually succumbed to his injuries. He was one of six people to die as a result of the violence that took place.
“We honor the service and sacrifices of Officers Brian Sicknick, Howard Liebengood and Jeffery Smith, and offer condolences to all the grieving families.” he continued. “The costs for this insurrection — both human and monetary — will be steep.”
Since the siege, rioters have been identified via social media clips and arrested on charges like disorderly conduct and unlawful entry into a restricted building. Some of those Trump supporters were disappointed after the former president failed to grant them pardons, while others, including Riley Williams — the woman who allegedly stole Nancy Pelosi’s lectern — were let go on house arrest. Emanual Jackson, a Black rioter who was in attendance, sought an early release but was denied bail.