Prev
Mack Wesley Cantrell
Incident
Officer Mack Cantrell succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained on March 9th, 1977, when a Muslim terrorist group took over the District Building and two other nearby buildings.
During the attack, the terrorists murdered a local journalist and shot a member of the District of Columbia councilman. Officer Cantrell was struck in the head with buckshot during the incident before the terrorists took dozens of hostages. The hostages were eventually freed following extended negotiations involving the ambassadors of Pakistan, Iran, and Egypt.
All the hostage-takers were taken into custody and subsequently convicted of numerous crimes. The leader of the group was sentenced to 21 to 120 years in prison. He died at Federal Correctional Institute Butner on November 13th, 2003.
Officer Cantrell recovered enough from his wounds to return to duty on June 19th, 1977 but suffered a fatal heart attack on his first day back. He was taken to a local hospital where he passed away on July 4th, 1977.
Officer Cantrell was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and had served with the District of Columbia Protective Services Police Department for six years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, four daughters, and one granddaughter.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtny5tmj70wrtg51ef45n- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Mack. Claim this record.
Also honored at salute.nw — U.S. Marine Corps, salute.nw. One record, 3 gates. Mack is one person.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Officer Cantrell gave the District of Columbia Protective Services Police Department 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the Washington community. Thank you for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Mack Wesley Cantrell served in the the United States military (1948â1952) before joining law enforcement.
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Mack is the only officer of District of Columbia Protective Services Police Department remembered here.
Mack is one of 754 officers killed feloniously in DC, 53.1% of the 1,419 remembered there.
Mack is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Mack is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1977, 3 officers in DC were killed feloniously, the 85th heaviest of 159 years on record. The heaviest was 1922, with 20.
In 1977, 128 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 36th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1977, 146 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 34th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Mack was 51. Of the 580 killed feloniously in DC whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 44; the middle age was 36. Mack had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
Mack was 51. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Mack had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Mack was 51. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Mack had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
July holds 11.7% of these deaths in DC, more than any other month. Mondays: 14.9%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at District of Columbia Protective Services Police Department. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 53.1% of all 1,419 deaths in DC, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 7.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 6.3% of these deaths.
Where
Military Service
Mack Wesley Cantrell served in the U.S. Marine Corps (1948–1952) before joining law enforcement.
Visit Mack Wesley Cantrell’s page on salute.nw →
His full service record — units, decorations, where he served — is kept on salute.nw.
Where the Name Is Cut
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Also Remembered
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from District of Columbia Protective Services Police Department are honored on badge.nw.