REPLAY: Federal Indictment Filed in Fatal Shooting of Philadelphia Police Officer

Good afternoon, everyone. I want to thank Philadelphia Police Department Commissioner Kevin Bethel and his leadership for being here. I'm also joined by Special Agent in Charge for the ATF Eric Degree, the United States Marshal, Special Agent in Charge for the FBI, and ASAC for HSI, and the Special Agent in Charge for DEA today. We're here to announce charges against Eric Lewis related to the murder of Philadelphia Police Department Officer Shane Sieber and Officer Hector Rodriguez. My name is David Metcalf. I'm the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. In that capacity, I lead an office of about 140 prosecutors. Our day-to-day work is to enforce violations of federal criminal law and protect our communities, uphold the rule of law. We do so by attacking threats against national security, cyber scams, cyber intrusions, public corruption, fraud, narcotic trafficking, and violent crime. What is often overlooked about our work, what is often underappreciated, is how much of that work involves state and local law enforcement partners. And that's why this case today is so important. today a federal grand jury returned an indictment against Eric Lewis, I'm going to talk about that indictment and the allegations in this case I do so with the caveat that a bedrock principle of our constitutional legal system is that every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law and these are just allegations at the moment and the indictment alleges that Eric Lewis, on or about October 10th, 2023, committed several federal crimes in relation to the incident that I just mentioned. On that date, there was a 911 call to the Philadelphia Police Department. Officer Shane Sieber, who has now been posthumously promoted to Sergeant, as well as Officer Hector Rodriguez, responded to that 911 call in West Philadelphia to an armed man. They encountered Mr. Lewis, at which point he shot and killed Sergeant Sieber and shot Officer Rodriguez. He was not done. He then robbed Officer Rodriguez of his Glock 17 service weapon and then took his polymer 80 Glock, sorry, polymer 80 ghost gun that he used to fire upon them, as well as a sawed-off shotgun away. Under federal law, Eric Lewis is not allowed to possess a firearm. He is a convicted felon. Under federal law, he is certainly not allowed to steal a firearm. And under federal law, he is certainly prohibited from using any firearm to rob, shoot, and kill a police officer. As a result of those actions, today we have brought five charges against Eric Lewis. The first charge is interference with interstate commerce by robbery, also known as Hobbs Act robbery. That's count one. The second count is use. He used, carried, and discharged a firearm in relation to a crime of violence to wit Hobbs Act robbery. He's also been charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a stolen firearm, and theft of a firearm. If convicted, these charges bring a statutory maximum of life imprisonment and a mandatory minimum of 10 years. As you are aware, the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office has also charged Eric Lewis with the murder of Sergeant Sieber and the shooting of Officer Rodriguez. Our office has been in close contact and coordination with their office. I thank them for that coordination as we pursue our prosecution independently. We do so because the United States of America and the Department of Justice has a distinct and compelling and powerful federal interest in prosecuting felons who use firearms and to prosecute felons who use firearms to again rob, shoot, and kill police officers. As I mentioned, an important part of the job that we do as a U.S. Attorney's Office and as the Department of Justice involves state and local law enforcement. And that's why this case is so important to us. It doesn't matter whether the attack on a law enforcement officer is federal or state or local. A great amount of the work we do is with our state and local law enforcement partners. And in that context, the strongest and greatest ally we have always had has been the Philadelphia Police Department. We have for decades now joined arms with them in the fight against violence in this city. We have stood side by side with them to take on fentanyl dealers, carjacking rings, gangs, you name it. Whenever there's been a major case prosecuted by our office in this city, it's a misnomer to call it a quote federal case because more often than not, it's been developed and cultivated and partnered with the Philadelphia Police Department. They provide instrumental criminal intelligence. They provide technical and operational support. We work with them all the time. If I could speak personally for a moment, when I go to my office every day and I go to the lobby and I see people waiting outside. It's often lawyers and agents. But who it is the most often is a Philadelphia police officer waiting to meet with one of our prosecutors to discuss a case. Yesterday, I went over to a federal carjacking trial to watch one of our prosecutors. And on the way there, there was one person waiting outside to testify, and it was a Philadelphia Police Department officer. These anecdotes illustrate how often we work with the Philadelphia Police Department. They have always been there for us. And today, more than ever, we are here for them. Commissioner, we are here for you. We are here for your department. We are here for Sergeant Sieber and his family. We are here for Officer Rodriguez and his family. And we are here with one voice as both federal and state law enforcement agencies to deliver the unmistakable and important message that the American policeman is off limits. Our entire society and security depends on the rule of law, and nobody is safe if a police officer is not safe. An attack on a police officer is an attack on every citizen that they protect, and that's why this case is so important. As the U.S. attorney, I represent the work of this office, but I have to give full credit to the prosecutors and agents who built this case. They have worked tirelessly for the last two weeks to put it together. And it's no surprise that it was the Philadelphia Police Department in our office day and night for the last two weeks helping us put it together. We would have it no other way. The last thing I will say is I had the pleasure and privilege with our federal partners of attending the funeral of Sergeant Sieber on Tuesday. As you can imagine, it was deeply moving. We got to hear about his extraordinary service as a PPD officer we got to hear about his extraordinary military career we also got to hear about him as a person and the positive impact he had on everyone that he met what wasn't fully captured was the bravery and sense of duty that inspired him and officer Rodriguez to go to their job on October 9th and October 10th but with the full expectation that they would return to their families Eric Lewis robbed them of that and he will be held accountable We can't bring Sergeant Siebert back. We can't change what happened, but we can and will pursue justice, and we cannot wait to go to court in this case. So good afternoon. First, I want to thank the United States Attorney David Metcalf for bringing together to bring us together today and for his leadership in pursuing these federal charges. I also want to specifically recognize ATF Special Agent in Charge Eric DeGray and the dedicated men and women of his team who investigated efforts, have been instrumental in bringing us to this point. I know there's an incredible U.S. attorney who worked on this. We won't say his name. I just want you to know how much I appreciate the work you did over these last 10 days to get us here. And to all of my federal law enforcement partners who stand to my right and throughout this room, who stood alongside the Philadelphia Police Department throughout this tragedy, I want to express my sincere, my sincere appreciation. Your support has been personal to me. Your commitment has been unwavering, and your actions have demonstrated what true partnerships look like. Today's announcement represents another important step in the pursuit of justice for Sergeant Shane Sieber and Officer Hector Rodriguez. Two Philadelphia police officers whose lives were forever changed by the violence of that morning. We lost Shane. Hector survived devastating injuries and continues his recovery. Both officers and their families have made tremendous sacrifice, and both deserve justice. Before I speak further about today's announcement, I want to share something about the partnership that brought us here. From the very morning this tragedy occurred, my phone began ringing. I remember Special Agent in Charge Wayne Jacobs calling me at 2:30 in the morning as I'm still driving to the hospital and all of my colleagues reaching out to me. Federal law enforcement leaders would reach out to me personally. They wanted to know what happened. They wanted to know how our officers were doing. And most importantly, they wanted to know how they could help. Those calls continued after we lost Shane. There were more calls between law enforcement agencies. They reflected genuine concern for Shane Hector and their families and the department experiencing an unimaginable loss. And among those who personally reached out to me was U.S. Attorney David Metcalf. And so, Dave, I want to personally thank you. You reached out during one of the most difficult moments this department has faced. You expressed your concern. You offer your support and you made it clear that your office would stand alongside us in this moment. And today, through the work of your office and the work of Eric DeGry and his ATF team and other federal partners who are here and standing behind the cameras, we see that commitment reflected in your actions. At a time when our department was hurting, our federal partners didn't wait to be asked for help. They reached out. They offered their support. And they stood beside us. That is what partnership looks like. It begins with relationships. It begins with trust. and is demonstrated through actions particularly when circumstances are there are most difficult the federal charges announced today represent an additional step toward accountability for the violence against Shane and Hector this is what happens when agencies come together put the work first and remain focused on the people we have sworn to serve this work is not about one person or any one agency it's about doing what is right for the victims, their families, and this community. At the center of all this must remain the people whose lives have been forever changed. Shane was a husband, a soldier, a father, a brother, a dedicated police officer. We have now laid him to rest, and his family must continue their life without someone they deeply loved. Hector is a husband, a father, and a dedicated police officer as well, who continues to recover from his devastating injuries. His wife, Paige, and his family continue to face the challenges of recovery. Two officers, two families, both deserve our compassion, our support, and our unwavering commitment to justice. We cannot lose sight of them. To the men and women of the 19th District and the entire Philadelphia Police Department, I want you to hear this clearly. We will stand by you. We will support you. And when one of our own is attacked, we will pursue every available avenue of justice. Today's announcement reflects that commitment and that strength of partnership standing behind me you have my commitment that we will never take your service your side your sacrifice or your safety for granted as leaders our responsibility is not simply to make announcements or stand behind podiums it is to serve people support them during their darkest moment and to do it in a difficult work necessary to pursue justice so to my federal partners i want to again say thank you thank you for the calls thank you for the concern thank you for offering your resources and support and thank you for the work that has brought us to this moment to lisa her family so officer rodriguez and page and their family our commitment remains unwavering and i said that during my eulogy we will continue to stand beside you we'll continue working with every partner committed to seeking justice because this work has never been about one individual or any one institution is about the people we have sworn to serve, and that's what we will continue to do. Thank you. Good afternoon. On behalf of the ATF Philadelphia Field Division, I share our deepest condolences with the family, friends, and colleagues of Philadelphia Police Officer Shane Seiber. We also keep Police Officer Rodriguez in our thoughts and our prayers and wish him a very speedy recovery. Though the death of any law enforcement officer is tragic beyond belief, This one has affected many members of the ATF Philadelphia Field Division. Several of us have relatives, families, friends that serve or have served with the Philadelphia Police Department. We have several special agents who have started their law enforcement careers with the department. We have the privilege of working with amazing detectives that are assigned to us as task force officers. This enables us to see firsthand the extraordinary work the Philadelphia Police Department does each and every day to keep our citizens of this city safe. I want to assure you, Commissioner, and the entire Philadelphia Police Department, that ATF and all the partners here today stand with you 100% during this difficult time. ATF's absolute number one mission is to combat violent crime. Today's announcement of federal firearms charges is an important step towards holding the suspect responsible for the violent, repugnant, and cowardly acts he committed. Such abhorrent behavior must be taken into account, and with today's indictment, it will. These firearms and related charges are serious offenses and carry minimum mandatory sentences in prison. ATF is committed to use the entire scope of our lawful authority to pursue violent criminals who unlawfully utilize firearms to hurt police officers and our community at large. This case also underscores why partnerships matter. The ATF, the United States Attorney's Office, along with all of our federal partners have a long and close relationship with the Philadelphia Police Department. By working together in close collaboration, we will continue to pursue violent criminals to keep the citizens of Philadelphia safe. I know this indictment will not bring back Officer Siever or take away the wounds that Officer Rodriguez has suffered. It is our hope, in some small part, holding this suspect accountable to the full extent of federal law will help their families on the path of healing. I want to contend, commend U.S. Attorney Metcalf and his office for taking this important case on. The ATF stands committed to combating violent crime in the city of Philadelphia, and we will continue to work tirelessly with the Philadelphia Police Department and our federal partners to make this happen. Thank you. Happy to take any questions. Yes. yeah so he was previously convicted of numerous crimes under state law the definition of felon um under federal law is any crime punishable by more than one year it's kind of technical but the exception is if it's a misdemeanor under state law under two years um so i don't know if you are familiar with his criminal history but he has a prior criminal history consisting of assaults and firearm possession. Correct. That's correct. It can get confusing when you look at how states label their crimes. Sometimes they label crimes as misdemeanors when they're felonies under federal law. Yes, sir? This defendant repeatedly said that he only shot those two officers because they were white. Would you consider charging this as a hate crime? the investigation is ongoing we charge the crimes that are supported by the evidence that we have to date if further information develops that support additional charges of course we will consider we will of course consider those yeah i think it partially remains my position but what i will tell you was unacceptable i've been at this work almost for 40 years never once have i stood up in front of an audience and talked about my conflicts with the district attorney's office never once have i presented the issues that i deal with on a daily basis my men and women have to endure but yesterday when i handed lisa the flag it was one of the most difficult moments in my life yeah and it reminded me why it was important that our focus remained on the families on Lisa and Paige as Hector would go through his recovery. I sat in the home multiple days so I knew it was the right thing but I've never seen that in my entire career where when my family was suffering when the city was suffering and it wasn't just about me and the Philadelphia Police Department. The community was suffering. My officers were suffering and you stand up and you talk about something that is unnecessary um so i don't want to turn this into a back and forth but i will tell you that was absolutely anyone who believes it was right i'll walk you into those homes with me and you tell me they didn't ask me about that when i walked in the door they're asking me they want their husband back and they want hector to survive and get through his injuries that's what they wanted and so we did what i believe is the most appropriate thing to do that is what a professional organization does that is what our profession is built upon as working in partnerships i fight we fight behind the scenes all the time but we never bring that to the forefront particularly in a time like that and so it was absolutely unacceptable uh and and that's what we have to deal with uh but we as an organization do not hold us back we will continue to move forward we will continue to be a professional organization you know i will hold my department accountable when we are wrong but everybody else should hold them themselves accountable as well you mentioned you were working closely too with the DA's office on the charges they're handling were they um told about this uh press conference invited to this press conference we've been in contact with the district attorney's office and of course of course notified them of the prospective charges can i just say that you know the message here is about the partnership between our office and our federal partners and the Philadelphia Police Department i mean that's the story here there's a reason why you have every major federal law enforcement agency here including those who didn't personally work up this case the reason why is because an attack on one of them is an attack on us and that's that's the story here um the men and women of the Philadelphia Police Department are our brothers and sisters and if you attack one of them you attack every one of us and you're going to face all of us that's the message here it's not about that yes sir yeah why bring some people might say why bring these charges when he is facing so many state charges that they're convicted again i want to reiterate that we have an independent and distinct federal interest here to prosecute felons who use firearms in different ways and to vindicate the injury against one of our greatest law enforcement partners i for one like the idea that Eric Lewis has to face both the United States of America and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the city of Philadelphia. The American people have suffered a separate injury here independent of the city of Philadelphia. The American people want the Department of Justice, who represents them, to make sure they get justice for attacks against local law enforcement. That is an independent interest beyond whatever state charges there are, irrespective of whether he was prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law in state criminal proceedings or there were no state criminal charges. We would be here today. It is completely separate and distinct. That's why this case matters, because we are all here to send that message. As Special Agent in Charge Eric DeGree said, the ATF has a mandate to combat gun violence. And beyond that, our office has a mandate to stand up for police departments and law enforcement at every level of government, state, local, and federal. Yes? My question is for Commissioner Becker. We still haven't quite heard, I want to say, the details as much as we can get specific as to what led, I know it was a person who picked it up that led them to the house, but we also understand there was a call the day before, hours before, that led them to the house as well. Do you have any kind of details about, was there, there's been some reports that maybe it was a domestic violence situation that was happening? do you have any intel kind of on the background of why they were called there you're talking about the day before the day before and that day i mean personally gone to the house i mean frankie i mean i i think we have the day before we had a call there the officers engaged him at the door the second call i mean i called that night there's someone who calls it to observe him i don't know if we the end upon in the opinions of that was the message um the second night the second night we don't have any indication and we just know that they're responding potentially with a person with a gun at that location please mr bethel while you're up there um was it a factor in your decision to lobby the federal government to take over this case the multiple failures of district attorney larry prasad to successfully prosecute many homicides including this exact same defendant in 2020. i'll i'll let the i don't lobby um i work in partnership um i didn't have to lobby we we called him um so so and i know that's not what you were saying but i just want to make it clear um you know from the time i i was very genuine in my comment when i got in my car my phone was already ringing and my partners were already calling me uh and and so i didn't have to do any of that we were united in our in our position we knew what we needed uh the team here knew what we needed uh and they executed on that and so uh no lobbying as As it relates to this and, you know, we can we can go back in the cases of all the individuals who killed my cops. That is pretty standard protocol. And I can go two months before that homicide where he was locked up for a domestic and we recovered multiple guns out of there. And I go to three years before that. Right. And so I think we'll do that. Walk back. Reality is many of our killers have done involved in very violent behavior prior to becoming, you know, ultimately taking someone else's life. So that'll be a process we'll go through. But everyone needs to go through that process, not just the department. Commissioner, can you respond directly to those allegations by District Attorney Larry Krasner that somehow police misconduct led to that acquittal of their offense in that murder case three years ago? First and foremost, let's I'm here with some of the smartest and most effective prosecutors in America. many of them are littered around this room um if they have a case it's not an effective case they wouldn't even walk in the door with it there was no new facts that they could make those determinations um in that case the officer was engaged in his behavior and i fired him last year um and i would say that young officer did not know this was going to happen so i mean i get that we have to walk through all of it who did what and when did they do it but at the end of the day, we just have to remind ourselves that is not going to bring Shane back, right? It's not going to take Hector on that road, right? And so we have to make sure what is our why, what is our purpose of doing that so we can be better, to make sure that we're doing the things that we're supposed to do effectively so we make these cases prepared to go. But we'll walk that walk. And we always have done that with our prosecutors and others as we've looked at what happened in those cases and we do that with all of our murder cases what did we miss what could we have done differently and so we will get to that place but i won't you can't in one case say you can't talk about anything because you're seeing some pressure in your space and it's directly toward you but then last week if there's going to be a criminal investigation talking about the activities of my men and women like you can't have it both ways right as a prosecutor your duty is just be above that stay above it right your your duty is to work behind the scenes to make sure we do it effectively. And so we will see how that goes. How confident are you in the district attorney's ability to successfully prosecute the murder charge? I'm not going to comment on that and repeat the answer that I just gave to your colleague. That's not what this is about. Right? I'm going to repeat it again. He was prosecuted under the fullest extent of the law in state criminal or state law and court proceedings. Or if he wasn't prosecuted at all, we would all be here today. Thanks. Is there any, can you clarify the role that the district attorney's office will take on and what charges they will be pursuing? And do you see a federal case, what begins with capital case, and if so, would you take the death penalty? This is not, I'm not going to talk about the second part, but I will address the first part. The objective here is not to duplicate a state criminal proceeding because of the concern that he just identified. um the idea is to complement it and this this does happen just for those who aren't aware that a Department of Justice U.S. Attorney's office and a state or local prosecutor's office pursue charges arising out of the same act or occurrence in parallel and that's what's going to happen here and we're going to stay in close contact with the district attorney's office um make sure that each of the line prosecutors who are advancing the work uh coordinate and make sure that justice is served that's what we're going to do thank you everyone before we go i just i just want to apologize to to the u.s attorney i just want to make sure you know i this has been a very emotional week i think people know that but what i don't want to walk away and take away from here is is our relationship what he has done for us my appreciation for that work i don't want that to be the distraction and the things that you know yes i am frustrated and i can get fired up but i to make sure that everyone knows in this room that this is a relationship built on trust on support and and when we walk away that is I definitely want everyone to walk away with that understanding how much I appreciate and respect the men and women in this room who stood by us when we needed them the most and we're my team is here with me my first deputy, my deputy commissioners, we appreciate and I know the men and women in this police department appreciate everything they're doing today Thanks, everyone.