Former Trump administration member, Mike Gill, killed in violent Washington D.C. carjacking spree
5 February 2024 21:08, updated: 7 March 2024 09:13
On 29 January, just after 4 PM GMT, Mike Gill drove to downtown Washington D.C. to collect his wife from work. He was unexpectedly ambushed in his car by an assailant. Artell Cunningham had intended to steal the car, but became violent, pulling out a gun and shooting Gill in the head.
Cunningham then fled the scene, sparking a shooting spree. Approximately ninety minutes after shooting Gill, the 28-year-old Cunningham shot a random victim during a car theft attempt. This time he was successful; clutching a gun, he stole another car after shooting Alberto Vasquez Jr., a father of two. Vasquez was murdered on the spot.
The same night, police located and surrounded Cunningham in the Washington D.C. suburbs. The perpetrator did not surrender; he attacked the officers with two guns and was shot dead.
Mike Gill hung onto life in the hospital for four days. On 3 February, his wife confirmed his death in a brief statement to FOX5 station.
'His sudden departure has left an unfillable void in our lives. He was a dedicated husband and father, and esteemed son, brother, and friend' wrote Kristina Gill, wife of the murdered politician.
Jeffery Carroll, Deputy Chief of the Washington D.C. Police, told reporters at dailymail.co.uk, that "Cunningham had a criminal record and seemingly was undergoing a mental health crisis". Condolences to the family of the deceased officer were posted on social media platform Truth by his former superior, Donald Trump.
"Wonderful and brilliant Mike Gill, a well-respected member of the Trump administration, was mercilessly and brutally shot in the head during a carjacking in Washington, D.C. The federal government must intervene in Washington. God bless Michael and his family!" wrote the former president.
Mike Gill was 58 years old. He is survived by three children. His death galvanized public debate that may compel politicians in Washington D.C. to adjust their strategy towards combating the surge of robbery and car theft in the capital of the United States.
