US Capitol Police recruit killed in South Georgia car crash, others injured
U.S. Capitol police officers gather on the east front plaza of the Capitol on February 28, 2022 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
GLYNN COUNTY, Ga. - U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) Recruit Officer Christopher Katz died in a fatal car crash over the weekend in Glynn County, according to FOX News.
The recruits had joined the Capitol Police Department in November. The U.S. Capitol Police confirmed the incident in a statement, saying, "We were devastated to learn that a fatal car crash in Glynn County, Georgia, took the life of one of our recruit officers over the weekend."
What we know:
The crash occurred just before 10 p.m. Saturday while Katz and five other recruit officers were off duty during their training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) in Brunswick, Georgia.
According to officials, a Ford Escape was traveling westbound on the F.J. Torras Causeway when it began turning left to enter Morningstar Marina and failed to yield the right of way to a Jeep Wrangler traveling east. The Ford Escape struck the driver's side of the Jeep, causing it to overturn. Three of the passengers were ejected and sustained serious injuries.
The injured recruits were transported via life flight to nearby Jacksonville, Florida, for treatment. One of the passengers, later identified as Katz, died several hours later.
Katz, 22, was from Crompond, New York, according to The Brunswick News. Katz had previously served in the U.S. Army Reserves as a military policeman and graduated from Temple University with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice.
What they're saying:
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Committee on House Administration Ranking Member Joe Morelle, both from New York, expressed their condolences in a statement released Monday morning. "Our prayers are with his family and we will honor his memory when the House returns on Tuesday," they said.
The statement continued, "It is a tragic day with the news that several USCP recruits were involved in that fatal accident while in Georgia and are dealing with serious injuries. The entire House Democratic Caucus family is praying for their swift recovery."
They also praised the dedication of the Capitol Police, stating, "Each and every day, the Capitol Police put their lives on the line to ensure that the United States Congress, the crown jewel of representative Democracy, can safely do the people’s work. It is with admiration and gratitude for the life and death work of the USCP that we pray for the loved ones of Recruit Officer Katz and all of those reeling from this tragedy."
What's next:
The Georgia State Patrol are continuing their investigation into the crash. The U.S. Capitol Police have made wellness resources available to their entire department to support officers during this difficult time. Further details about the crash, including its cause, are expected as the investigation progresses.
Why you should care:
This tragedy highlights the risks and sacrifices made by law enforcement officers, even while off duty. The loss of a recruit not only affects the USCP community but also underscores the importance of supporting those who protect and serve our government institutions. The incident has drawn national attention, reflecting the significant role these officers play in safeguarding democracy.