Mike Gill, a former member of President Trump’s cabinet, died recently from injuries incurred after being carjacked in Washington, D.C., Fox News reports.
Gill, the CFTC’s chief of staff, was sitting in his car on Monday night when a suspect entered and shot him. The incident occurred in the 900 block of K Street NW around 5:45 p.m.
Police have identified the suspect as Artell Cunningham, 28. Authorities say Cunningham attempted to take another vehicle about an hour later, then approached others and demanded their keys.
Cunningham is suspected of shooting and killing Alberto Vasquez, Jr., 35, during a carjacking at 3rd and N Streets Northeast. Cunningham was eventually shot and murdered by police officers.
Gill’s wife, Kristina, told FOX 5 DC about her husband’s death.
“It is with profound sadness that I wish to inform the community of the passing of my husband, Mike Gill,” Kristina said in a statement. “His sudden departure has left a void in our lives that can never be filled.”
“In this time of grief, we are grateful for the outpouring of love and support from family, friends, and the community, and extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has reached out to offer condolences and assistance.”
Gill was a senior vice president for Capital Markets at the nonprofit Housing Policy Council when he died. He is remembered as a loving father, husband, and friend.
Former CFTC Chairman Christopher Giancarlo described Gill as “one of the most wonderful, honest, earnest, and open-hearted people on this planet.”
“His life reflects everything that is good, right, and true,” Giancarlo said on FOX 5. “Words cannot explain the grief of losing this excellent man, colleague, and dear friend. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.”
Carjacking instances in Washington, D.C., have notoriously increased in recent years, causing frustration and alarm among law-abiding citizens. In October, Rep. Henry Cuellar, a Democrat from Texas, was carjacked at gunpoint.
In November 2023, D.C. police recorded 250 homicides from January to November, the highest level since 2003. During the same period, 908 carjackings were reported, with weapons accounting for 77% of the cases.
Devonta Lynch, 17, was arrested in December on charges of armed carjacking after reportedly stealing an FBI agent’s car.
According to the Metropolitan Police Department’s website, 53 carjackings have been reported since January 1, with weapons used in 53% of the occurrences. Only ten cases have been closed.