FBI Reveals Rare Internal Faults in Agents’ Gun Use, Including Shooting at Fleeing Suspect and Killing Family Dog

Summary: Recently obtained documents reveal that the FBI faulted its agents in 2019 for misusing their firearms in two separate incidents, marking a rare internal finding of violations of the bureau’s lethal force policy. In one case, an agent in Arkansas shot at a suspect driving away to evade arrest, resigning before facing a 55-day suspension. The second incident involved a California agent who fatally shot a family dog during an off-duty “family dispute,” receiving a five-day suspension. These revelations shed light on the FBI’s internal review process and suggest a departure from historical leniency towards intentional shootings.

Key Points:

1. Unusual Internal Findings: The FBI’s admission of misconduct in intentional shootings is rare, highlighting a shift from historical leniency. The cases involve an Arkansas agent shooting at a fleeing suspect and a California agent killing a family dog during an off-duty incident.
2. Lethal Force Policy Violations: The disclosed incidents occurred in 2017, with the Arkansas agent resigning before a 55-day suspension for shooting at a suspect driving away. The California agent, involved in a “family dispute,” received a five-day suspension for fatally shooting a family dog he claimed had bitten him during a previous altercation.
3. Importance of Rigorous Review: Former FBI General Counsel Dana J. Boente emphasized the significance of deeming these incidents as “bad shoots.” He highlighted the importance of preventing reckless individuals from becoming agents and ensuring a fair and rigorous review system.
4. Historical Context: Historically, FBI agents rarely faced consequences for intentional shootings. The disclosed incidents add to a growing pattern suggesting increased scrutiny and accountability within the bureau.
5. Justice Department Oversight: The Justice Department’s Inspector General, Michael E. Horowitz, implemented a process in 2013 requiring law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, to provide initial internal reports about shootings. This move aimed to enhance oversight and accountability for shooting incidents.
6. Pattern of Scrutiny: Since 2013, periodic Freedom of Information Act requests have revealed a gradual increase in the FBI faulting agents in intentional shootings. The latest documents cover shooting reviews completed from 2017 to 2021, indicating an ongoing trend of greater scrutiny.
7. Unprecedented Disclosures: The recently obtained documents include three instances, previously undisclosed, where the FBI’s Office of Professional Responsibility imposed penalties for firearm misuse in intentional shootings. These instances, including the 2017 family dog shooting and the 2017 Arkansas incident, contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the FBI’s internal actions.
8. Public Response: The disclosure of these incidents may raise public concerns about the use of lethal force by law enforcement agencies, emphasizing the need for transparency, accountability, and adherence to policies that govern such actions.

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