Roll of Honor
Incident
Detective John Gibson was shot and killed after confronting the suspect who had shot and killed Officer Jacob Chestnut seconds earlier.
Detective Gibson, who was in plainclothes, was shot after the suspect entered the office of Congressman Tom DeLay. Detective Gibson, who was assigned to protect Congressman DeLay, was immediately engaged in a gunfight with the suspect, at which point he was shot. Despite being mortally wounded, Detective Gibson was able to return fire and wounded the suspect.
The suspect was known to the United States Secret Service prior to the incident as a person who had threatened the President of the United States. The suspect was found mentally unfit to stand trial. He remains in the psychiatric center at Butner Federal Correctional Complex in Butner, North Carolina.
He is buried in section 28, lot #140, map grid U-42, Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-FED-0C6A8A6B- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Detective Gibson gave the United States Capitol Police 18 years.
Thank you for your service. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Detective Gibson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Detective John Michael Gibson is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In DC, 754 of 1,419 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 53.1% of this state's fallen. That is 1.1 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
At United States Capitol Police, 4 of 7 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 57.1% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. John Michael Gibson's cause is highlighted.
How John Michael Gibson Compares
Offender Outcome
Found incompetent
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John Michael Gibson is highlighted in Jul.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John Michael Gibson was killed by handgun; .38 caliber.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
6 officers from United States Capitol Police are honored on badge.nw.
