Annual Memorial Service Honors Fallen Special Agents

Today the FBI held a memorial service to honor the 53 FBI special agents killed in the line of duty. FBI Director Robert S. Mueller, III and Deputy Director John S. Pistole participated in today’s ceremony, held each year as part of National Police Week to honor the sacrifices of the fallen special agents and their families.

Several special guests joined FBI employees at today’s ceremony, including former FBI Directors William H. Webster, William Sessions, and Louis Freeh; Drug Enforcement Administration Acting Administrator Michele Leonhart; United States Secret Service Director Mark Sullivan; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Assistant Director Mark Logan; United States Capitol Police Chief Philip Morse, Sr.; and National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund Chairman and CEO Craig Floyd.

“Every special agent swears an oath to well and faithfully discharge the duties of their office. Each fallen agent we honor today upheld that oath, at great cost. They discharged their duties well and faithfully, day in and day out—knowing that at any moment, even in the midst of a routine task, they might be asked to make the ultimate sacrifice,” said Director Mueller.

On August 9, 1979, three special agents were shot and killed in two separate incidents, thousands of miles apart. In response, FBI Director William Webster held a memorial service at FBI Headquarters. One week later, a public memorial service was held in Washington, D.C., evoking a tremendous outpouring of sympathy and support. The following August, Director Webster formalized the tradition, and the first Special Agent Memorial Service was conducted at FBI Headquarters. It has been held every year since.

For more details on the special agents who were killed in the performance of duty or as the result of an adversarial action, visit our the Hall of Honor, which pays tribute to these heroic men and women.