John Patrick Bedell.
WASHINGTON–The Federal Bureau of Investigation, in collaboration with the Pentagon Force Protection Agency (PFPA) and Arlington County Police Department, are investigating why a California man approached the entrance to the Pentagon at approximately 6:40 p.m. on March 4, 2010 and shot two PFPA officers.
The lone shooter, John Patrick Bedell, 36, was shot in the head and left tricep during an exchange of gunfire outside the Pentagon, near the entrance adjacent to the Pentagon Metro Transit Center. Bedell was transported to George Washington University Hospital and died at approximately 10 p.m.
Two PFPA officers, Jeffery Amos and Marvin Carraway, injured in the exchange were treated at George Washington University Hospital and released. A third officer was also involved in the exchange of gunfire but that officer’s name is not being released at this time.
Bedell, of Hollister, California, is believed to have driven to Washington, D.C. in a vehicle that has been located and removed from the Fashion Centre Pentagon City Mall parking garage. The vehicle is a 1998 green Toyota Avalon. At the time of the shooting, Bedell, who had a full beard, was dressed in slacks, a white collared shirt, and blazer.
Investigators are searching the car, conducting interviews, and reviewing a video of the shooting in an effort to piece together a timeline of Bedell’s activities leading up the incident. Investigative efforts include reviewing Bedell’s possible Internet activity, his cell phone usage, and other information which might assist in determining Bedell’s state of mind at the time of the shooting.
The investigation is ongoing and anyone who believes he or she may have witnessed the shooting, or may have additional information, is urged to call the FBI at 202-278-2000.
