Capitol Police recruit dead in Georgia car accident, others injured

Justin Papp, CQ-Roll Call on Feb 3, 2025

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WASHINGTON — A Capitol Police recruit died in a car crash over the weekend while in Georgia attending a training. Five other recruit officers were also injured in the accident, Capitol Police said Monday.

Recruit Officer Christopher Katz was killed in the accident, according to a joint statement from House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., and House Administration Committee ranking member Joseph D. Morelle, D-N.Y.

“It is a tragic day with the news that several USCP recruits were involved in that fatal accident while in Georgia and are dealing with serious injuries. The entire House Democratic Caucus family is praying for their swift recovery,” they said in the joint statement.

The accident happened in Glynn County, Ga., on Saturday before 10 p.m., according to a Capitol Police spokesperson. The recruits were in Georgia visiting the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center and were off-duty at the time of the accident, police said. Georgia State Police are investigating.

The recruit officers joined the department in November, according to Capitol Police.

“We were devastated to learn that a fatal car crash in Glynn County, Georgia took the life of one of our recruit officers over the weekend,” police said in a statement.

Jeffries and Morelle said they would honor Katz’s memory when the House returns on Tuesday.

“Each and every day, the Capitol Police put their lives on the line to ensure that the United States Congress, the crown jewel of representative Democracy, can safely do the people’s work,” Jeffires and Morelle said. “It is with admiration and gratitude for the life and death work of the USCP that we pray for the loved ones of Recruit Officer Katz and all of those reeling from this tragedy.”

House Administration Chair Bryan Steil, R-Wis., said in a statement Monday he was “saddened” to hear of Katz’s passing.

“Although the Georgia State Police continue their investigation, we know that every single day, members of the Capitol Police put themselves in the line of danger to protect this great institution and all those who work and visit here. Our prayers and sympathies are with the USCP community, these officers, and their families,” Steil said.