Roll of Honor
Incident
Officer Elmer Swanson was shot and killed while responding to a home at 508 First Street, SE, where a deranged man was firing a gun. During the incident, over 100 rounds were fired by the suspect from the home. Over 500 policemen and U.S. Marines responded to the incident and engaged in the shootout. At one point, the suspect ran from the house when it was filled with tear gas and opened fire, striking Officer Swanson in the head. Officer Swanson was taken to Providence Hospital, where he succumbed to the wound. The man ran back into the home without being struck by the return fire. The man was eventually apprehended after being wounded in the arm. After being arrested, he stated he only wanted to have some fun. He was indicted for first-degree murder and found insane. Officer Swanson had served with the Metropolitan Police Department for only three months and was assigned to the Ninth Precinct. He was survived by his wife and four children. One of his sons served as a Police Officer in Minnesota. He is buried in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Suitland, Maryland.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and four children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-DC-CAA43CC8- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Officer Swanson served with the Metropolitan Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Washington community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Officer Swanson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Officer Elmer A. Swanson is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,772 officers honored here.
In DC, 754 of 1,418 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 53.2% of this state's fallen. That is 53.2 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Metropolitan Police Department, 70 of 131 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 53.4% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Elmer A. Swanson's cause is highlighted.
How Elmer A. Swanson Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Elmer A. Swanson is highlighted in Jul.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Elmer A. Swanson was killed by gun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
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