In a tragic incident early Sunday morning, an off-duty U.S. Park Police officer accidentally shot and killed another officer while handling a firearm in McLean, Virginia. According to the Washington Post, Alexander Roy, 25, pointed the gun at his fellow officer, Jesse Brown Hernandez, 22, believing it was unloaded. However, the gun discharged, striking Hernandez in the upper body and causing fatal injuries.

Local authorities were alerted and responded to the incident at approximately 12:20 a.m. when it was reported that Hernandez had already succumbed to his injuries. A police report confirmed that Roy was charged with involuntary manslaughter and is currently held without bond at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center.

The incident took place amidst a gathering at the McLean apartment, where four individuals, including three off-duty park police officers, were present, consuming alcohol. The police report suggests that alcohol may have played a role in the tragic shooting.

Preliminary investigations by detectives revealed that Roy was attempting to "dry fire" the gun - a practice where the trigger of an unloaded firearm is pulled. Unfortunately, in this case, the gun was loaded, leading to the unintended discharge that claimed the life of Officer Hernandez.

The U.S. Park Police is cooperating fully with local law enforcement agencies during the ongoing investigation. The incident highlights the importance of firearm safety and the need for responsible handling of firearms, particularly when alcohol is involved.

This unfortunate incident has sent shockwaves through the law enforcement community, as colleagues mourn the loss of a promising young officer. Authorities are urging individuals who possess firearms to exercise extreme caution and ensure that proper safety measures are followed at all times to prevent such tragic accidents.

As the investigation continues, more details are expected to emerge regarding the circumstances surrounding the shooting. The incident serves as a solemn reminder of the inherent risks associated with firearms, even in the hands of trained professionals, emphasizing the paramount importance of adhering to strict safety protocols.