American University Grad Fatally Stabbed: 'Truly the Best of Us'

PHOTO of Kevin Sutherland photo is from Sutherland’s Twitter page

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Kevin Sutherland, the victim of a fatal stabbing Saturday in DC, was soaking in all that is special about the nation’s capital.

The Connecticut native’s Twitter page featured his home state’s motto: “Qui transtulit sustinet,” Latin for “He Who Transplanted Sustains.”

The 24-year old from Connecticut was a graduate of American University and friends and colleagues say he adored everything about Washington — from politics to the photos he took of its monuments and more. Sutherland grew up in Trumbull, Conn., and was a former intern to Congressman Jim Himes of Connecticut. He worked as a political digital strategist in DC.

He was on his way to meet up with friends for the 4th of July when he was stabbed during what police think was a robbery. Sutherland was at the NoMa-Gallaudet station around 1:30 p.m. Saturday.

The company he worked for, New Blue Interactive, released a message about his death:

“I am heartbroken as is the entire New Blue team to hear the news of Kevin’s passing. He was one of the brightest political digital strategists in the country and Kevin always had a smile. His murder was a tragedy and senseless. It robbed all of us of his amazing talents and future. We are shocked and saddened at this time. The entire New Blue team’s thoughts and prayers are with his entire family and friends during this difficult time. May he rest in peace. Please respect his family and our team’s privacy during this difficult time.”

In a statement Sunday, Sasha Gilthorpe, American University student government president, described Sutherland, a 2013 graduate who served two terms as secretary, as “emblematic of who we all are and who we hope to be.”

“Kevin Sutherland was truly the best of us,” she wrote. “He was in­cred­ibly kind. He was utterly and completely devoted to his friends. He used his intelligence and his talents to champion what he believed in.”

Police told The Washington Post Monday morning they have arrested a man who they believe is the suspect in the stabbing.