“I became a widow at the age of 35 instead of becoming a mother, all because of Dana Bell,” Smith lamented. “His actions cost my husband the opportunity to continue serving as a police officer.”
During the court proceedings, Erin Smith emotionally expressed, “My husband bravely gave his life in defense of our very democracy.”
Jeff Smith’s death has been officially declared a line-of-duty death by Washington, D.C., officials. They have concluded that his tragic suicide was directly connected to the injuries he sustained while bravely putting a stop to the rioters.
Erin Smith wrapped up her remarks in court, and as she did, Bell silently mouthed the words “I’m sorry” twice in her direction.
During the hearing, Bell expressed her remorse and tearfully apologized, taking full responsibility for her actions. She acknowledged that it was her own fault and her own choice that led to the situation.
In addition to that, she expressed her apologies to the government, the taxpayers, and the law enforcement officers. Furthermore, she directly addressed Smith and personally apologized to her.
Bell was accused by prosecutors of disregarding the instructions given by the police and instead issuing his own commands, including the explicit statement, “Don’t f***in’ touch me!”
Erin Smith emerged as a vocal supporter of line-of-duty death benefits for law enforcement officers who died by suicide following the January 6 attack. Tragically, several other officers who bravely responded to the Capitol during the riot also succumbed to suicide in the weeks that followed.