Former Trump administration member Mike Gill murdered in daylight carjacking, sparks conversation on D.C. crime surge
On January 29, shortly after 11 AM EST, Mike Gill drove to downtown Washington, D.C., to pick up his wife from work. While he was waiting, an attacker suddenly broke into his car. Artell Cunningham intended to rob the vehicle, but instead, he shot Gill in the head.
Feb 5, 2024 | updated: 4:14 AM EST, March 7, 2024
The assailant then fled the scene, sparking a series of violent incidents. Roughly an hour and half after shooting Gill, 28-year-old Cunningham shot another civilian during a carjacking attempt. This time he was successful; he fatally shot Alberto Vasquez Jr., a father of two, and stole his car after threatening the owner with a gun.
In response to the widespread violence, the police tracked down and cornered Cunningham in the suburbs of Washington D.C. that same night. The suspect resisted arrest and confronted the officers with two pistols, which ended in him being shot dead.
After the assault, Mike Gill fought for his life in the hospital for four days. Sadly, on February 3, his wife confirmed his death, forwarding a brief statement to FOX5 station.
"His sudden departure has created an irreplaceable void in our lives. He was not just a devoted husband and father, but also a revered son, brother, and friend," wrote Kristina Gill, the wife of the slain politician.
In an interview with dailymail.co.uk, Jeffery Carroll, the Deputy Chief of the Washington D.C. Police, revealed that "Cunningham had a criminal history and seemed to be going through a mental health crisis". Touching condolences for the deceased official's family were extended on the social media platform Truth by his former boss, Donald Trump.
"Wonderful and brilliant Mike Gill, a highly respected member of the Trump administration, was brutally and mercilessly shot in the head during a carjacking in Washington, D.C. It's time for the federal government to intervene in Washington. May God bless Michael and his family!" wrote the former president.
Mike Gill was 58 years old and is survived by his three children. His untimely death has initiated a public discourse that might impel Washington D.C.'s politicians to reassess their strategies in combating the escalating incidents of thefts and carjacking in the US capital.
