An off-duty U.S. Park Police officer accidentally shot and killed another off-duty officer at an apartment gathering in Virginia. The incident occurred when Alexander Roy, 25, pulled the trigger on a gun he believed to be unloaded, but tragically took the life of 22-year-old Jesse Brown Hernandez. Local police arrived at the scene shortly after midnight on Sunday and charged Roy with involuntary manslaughter. Alcohol is believed to have played a role in the shooting. Hernandez sustained a fatal gunshot wound to the upper body, and the investigation is ongoing.
The gathering also included two other individuals, one of whom was another U.S. Park Police officer. Fairfax County Police Department is urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward. While the U.S. Park Police serve various roles within the National Park Service and surrounding communities, such as providing security for important figures, they released a statement expressing their current focus on supporting the affected officers’ family, friends, and colleagues. The Park Police directed all inquiries related to the investigation to the Fairfax County police, stating that they have no further information to share at this time.
This tragic accident highlights the devastating consequences of mishandling firearms, even by trained law enforcement officers. The unintentional shooting serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of following proper safety protocols when handling firearms. The situation is a stark reminder that even off-duty officers are not exempt from the potential risks associated with carrying firearms. As the investigation continues, authorities will piece together the events that led to this tragedy in an effort to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the incident and ultimately seek justice for the loss of Jesse Brown Hernandez.
