A former Trump administration official has died after being shot while trying to steal a car.
Mike Gill, who served as chief of staff of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission under the former president, was shot Washington, DC last Monday when a man tried to get into the car before fleeing the scene, police said.
The accident lasted more than three minutes and involved a four-wheel-drive Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Later, the attacker failed in his attempt to steal a Mercedes, according to authorities.
The attacker then approached a man and woman, demanded their car keys and proceeded to shoot and kill 35-year-old Alberto Vasquez Jr., then fled in a stolen Chrysler 200, according to the incident report.
Police identified the suspect as 28-year-old Artel Cunningham after locating him in a disabled SUV and realizing it was stolen.
Police said Cunningham approached the officers, who were carrying two rifles, as they searched the area for the vehicle's occupants.
He was then shot dead by officers.
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Cunningham was also charged with two other car thefts in Maryland.
“His sudden passing left a void in our lives that can never be filled,” Christina Gil said in a tribute to her husband.
“He was not only a devoted husband and father, but also a dear son, brother and friend,” she said.
Mr. Gill was committed to improving the lives of others, was an active member of his church, befriended and mentored co-workers, served on the District of Columbia Board of Elections and coached his daughter's soccer team, Ms. Gill said.
Donald Trump praised Mr. Gill in a post on Truth Social on Sunday.
“The wonderful, brilliant Mike Gill, a highly respected member of the Trump administration, was mercilessly and brutally shot in the head during a carjacking in Washington, D.C.,” the former president said.
“He was a special person – his family and friends are devastated… God bless Michael and his family!”
