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U.S. Department of Justice

Federal Bureau of Investigation
 
2111 West Roosevelt Road
Chicago, Illinois 60608
(312) 421-6700
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 11, 2007

Chicago FBI Press Office
Phone: (312) 829-1199

THIS WEEK IN CHICAGO FBI HISTORY

On October 11, 1925, Edwin C. Shanahan became the first Special Agent of the Bureau of Investigation (BOI), later to become the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), to be killed in the line of duty. The 27-year old Chicago native had been employed with the BOI for five years when he was assigned to arrest a local car thief, Martin J. Durkin.

Assisted by Chicago Police officers, SA Shanahan waited for Durkin inside a garage on Chicago's Southside, where Durkin was expected to bring a stolen automobile. After a lengthy wait, Durkin eventually arrived driving an automobile that had been stolen in New Mexico. SA Shanahan attempted to arrest Durkin using a ruse but, sensing a trap, DURKIN grabbed for a handgun that was on the front seat of his vehicle and fired at SA Shanahan, striking him in the chest. SA Shanahan died almost instantly from his wound while Durkin was able to escape.

The 23-year old car thief was now a murderer and found himself the subject of a nationwide manhunt. He was taken into custody outside St. Louis by BOI Special Agents, several months later. Durkin was returned to Chicago where on June 1, 1926; he was tried and convicted in state court for the murder of SA Shanahan and possession of a stolen motor vehicle, receiving a 50-year prison sentence. At the time, it was not a violation of federal law to assault or murder a federal officer.

Since the death of SA Shanahan 82 years ago, an additional 35 Special Agents of the BOI/FBI have been killed during adversarial action while another 16 have given their lives during the performance of their duties. Eight of those who died have been assigned to the Chicago office, more than any other field office in the FBI.

Editor's Note: This release is part of a weekly series designed to help commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which will be celebrated on July 26, 2008. Additional facts about the history of the FBI are available on-line at www.fbi.gov.