Officials Launch Probe into Pentagon Shooting

John Patrick Bedell, 36, of Hollister, Calif., shot two Pentagon police officers outside the Pentagon March 4, 2010. He was shot in exchange of gunfire and died later at a local hospital. The incident is under investigation. Photo courtesy : The FBI

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By American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON: The FBI, in collaboration with the Pentagon Force Protection Agency and Virginia's Arlington County Police Department, are working to figure out why a California man approached an entrance to the Pentagon yesterday and shot two PFPA officers.

The lone shooter, John Patrick Bedell, of Hollister, Calif., was shot in the head and left arm during an exchange of gunfire outside the Pentagon, near the building entrance adjacent to the Pentagon Metro Transit Center, at about 6:40 p.m.

Bedell was transported to George Washington University Hospital and died at about 10 p.m. Two PFPA officers, Jeffery Amos and Marvin Carraway, were injured in the exchange. The officers were treated at George Washington University Hospital and released. A third officer also was involved in the exchange of gunfire, but that officer's name is not being released at this time, officials said.

Bedell, who was 36 years old, is believed to have driven to Washington in a green 1998 Toyota Avalon that has been located and removed from a nearby mall parking garage. At the time of the shooting, he had a full beard and was dressed in slacks, a white collared shirt and a 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.

(From a news release issued jointly by the FBI and the Pentagon Force Protection Agency.)

(Issued on March 5, 2010)
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