Newsmax contributor and former Trump lawyer Jenna Ellis tweeted today that she finds the deaths by suicide of police officers who responded to the January 6 insurrection “really suspicious.” 

Ellis joined Newsmax as a contributor in June. Newsmax CEO Christopher Ruddy claimed in an announcement about her hiring that “Ellis brings a sharp mind and pointed legal commentary and constitutional analysis to the workings of our court system as it works to defend our liberties and freedoms. She is a strong addition to our growing lineup.” Since former President Donald Trump’s defeat, Ellis has pushed false claims and conspiracy theories about the election being stolen. 

She responded today to an August 2 Newsmax article which noted the death of Metropolitan Police Department Officer Gunther Hashida. He is one of four police officers who have reportedly died by suicide after responding to the January 6 insurrection. She tweeted: 

Ellis isn’t alone among right-wing media figures pushing conspiracy theories about the officers’ deaths. On August 2, TruNews host and 2020 Republican Senate nominee from Delaware Lauren Witzke wrote: “You can’t tell me that’s just a coincidence. They are either overwhelmed with guilt or were about to release information about the federal government & intelligence agency’s involvement. Don’t be fooled, something here is very, very wrong.” On August 3, right-wing commentator and 2020 Republican congressional nominee from Florida Laura Loomer wrote: “Republicans need to investigate whether or not someone is murdering Capitol Police officers who responded to the Capitol on January 6th. Nobody believes 4 of these officers committed suicide.”

If you or someone you know needs help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or text the Crisis Text Line (text HELLO to 741741).