U.S. Capitol Police Recruit Killed, Five Injured in Georgia Crash

     A U.S. Capitol Police recruit died and five others were seriously injured in a car crash in Glynn County, Georgia, on February 1, 2025. The incident occurred while the recruits were off-duty during training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) in Brunswick.

• Crash Details: Around 10 p.m. on Saturday, a Ford Escape attempting to turn left into Morningstar Marina failed to yield to an eastbound Jeep Wrangler carrying six recruits. The collision caused the Jeep to overturn, ejecting three occupants.
• Fatalities and Injuries: Recruit Officer Christopher Katz, 22, of Crompond, New York, succumbed to injuries hours later. Five others were airlifted to hospitals in Jacksonville, Florida, with serious injuries.
• Vehicle Context: The recruits, who joined the Capitol Police in November 2024, were driving a personal vehicle during off-duty hours.

• Background: Katz previously served in the U.S. Army Reserves as a military police officer and graduated from Temple University with a degree in criminal justice.
• Tributes: Colleagues and congressional leaders, including House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, praised Katz’s dedication, calling his death a “tragic loss” for the Capitol Police community.

• Agency Statements: The U.S. Capitol Police expressed devastation over the loss, emphasizing support for affected officers and their families18. Wellness resources have been provided department-wide.
• Ongoing Probe: The Georgia State Patrol is investigating the crash, which remains under review. No charges have been announced, though the Ford Escape’s driver remained at the scene

     The crash underscores risks faced by law enforcement personnel even during training periods. FLETC, a key facility for federal agency preparation, has not commented on potential protocol reviews. Katz’s death has drawn national attention, highlighting the sacrifices of those entering public safety roles. The Capitol Police community mourns the loss of a promising officer while supporting injured colleagues. Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses