Attorney General and FBI Directors Honor FBI Agents Killed in Line of Duty

As part of National Police Week, the FBI held a Special Agent Memorial Service to honor the 51 FBI special agents killed in the line of duty. Their sacrifices and the sacrifices of their families were remembered at the ceremony today at FBI Headquarters.

Attorney General Michael B. Mukasey, FBI Director Robert S. Mueller, III, former Director William Webster, and former Director Louis Freeh participated in the ceremony honoring the fallen special agents. Executives from the United States Secret Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were also in attendance.

"These men and women were normal people who did extraordinary things as agents, said Director Mueller. We are grateful for their service to the Bureau and our country."

On August 9, 1979, three special agents were shot and killed in two separate incidents, thousands of miles apart. In response, Director 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 held at FBI Headquarters. It has been held every year since.