Today, we remember a tragic day at the Washington Field Office and for the family and friends of FBI Special Agent William “Bill” H. Christian, Jr., who was shot and killed in the line of duty on May 29, 1995.

On May 29, 1995, Christian was shot and killed by Ralph McLean, who was being sought in connection with several police shootings and killings in the District of Columbia and Prince George's County, Maryland. McLean was expected to meet a former girlfriend in Greenbelt; and Christian, along with 26 other investigators, was conducting a surveillance of the area. At approximately 1:00 a.m., McLean approached Christian, who was sitting in his car in a parking lot. Attacking the agent from behind, McLean shot him through the car window. FBI agents and local police pursued McLean to a parking garage, where he killed himself with a gunshot to the head.

Christian was born in July 1946 in Baltimore, Maryland. He entered on duty with the FBI through the Baltimore Field Office in 1975 and was later assigned to Detroit, where he became certified as a SWAT team member. Christian was ultimately assigned to the Washington Field Office. He is survived by his wife and three children.

“Today we remember and honor Bill Christian, whose life was cut tragically short on this day in 1995,” said Assistant Director in Charge Timothy R. Slater. “Bill is among our many honorable brothers and sisters in law enforcement who lived a life of dedication to this country, the FBI, and family. He exemplified an FBI special agent with his dedication, loyalty and bravery. While this day is a solemn one, we take the time to reflect and recommit ourselves to the FBI mission, the American people and our communities.”

Fallen FBI employees are memorialized on the FBI’s Wall of Honor so that their ultimate sacrifice will always be remembered.