A former official from the Trump administration has passed away after being shot during an attempted carjacking spree in downtown Washington, D.C., last Monday, as confirmed by the victim’s family to The Hill.
Kristina Gill, the wife of the deceased, expressed her deep sorrow in a statement, saying, “It is with profound sadness that I wish to inform the community of the passing of my husband, Mike Gill. His sudden departure has left a void in our lives that can never be filled.”
Mike Gill, a married father of three, previously employed at the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission during the Trump administration, was shot while inside a car at the 900 block of K Street NW. The family spokesperson confirmed last week that he was initially in critical condition but succumbed to his injuries later.
Ex-Trump Administration Official Fatally Shot in Washington, D.C. Carjacking Spree (Credits: NBC4 Washington)
In her tribute, Kristina described her husband as “a devoted husband and father,” emphasizing his role as a cherished son, brother, and friend. She highlighted Mike’s ability to bring people together and make them feel included and loved throughout his remarkable life.
The suspect in the case, identified as Artell Cunningham, 28, approached the parked car, shot Gill, and fled on foot, according to the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department. Cunningham attempted another carjacking nearly an hour later, but the victim managed to escape and reported the incident to the police.
Subsequently, Cunningham demanded keys from another couple in their car, shot the man, and fled the scene. The man later died at the hospital.
Cunningham’s crime spree continued as he attempted additional carjackings in Maryland’s Prince George’s County. He was eventually encountered by the New Carrollton Police Department, where he allegedly produced two handguns. Officers shot and struck Cunningham, who was taken into custody and later died in the hospital.
At the time of his death, Mike Gill was serving as a senior vice president for capital markets at the Housing Policy Council, in addition to being an attorney and a former member of the D.C. Board of Elections.
Ed DeMarco, president of the Housing Policy Council, remembered Gill as an “outstanding lawyer, public servant, colleague, and community member,” expressing the profound loss felt by the Housing Policy Council and the Washington, DC, community.
The incident occurred amidst growing concerns about the surge in carjackings and shootings in and around the nation’s capital, prompting the Department of Justice to announce last month its commitment to enhancing efforts against violent crime and carjackings in Washington.
