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Ariel Rios
Incident
Special Agent Ariel Rios was shot and killed while conducting an undercover operation in Miami, Florida. He was shot while struggling with a suspect who was attempting to shoot other ATF agents at a hotel at 4911 W. Flagler Street. The subject who murdered Special Agent Rios was sentenced to 60 years in prison. Special Agent Rios was survived by his wife and two children. The Ariel Rios Federal Building, located in Washington, DC, was named in honor of Agent Rios.
Survivors
Special Agent Rios was survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
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- 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.
Special Agent Rios served with the United States Department of the Treasury.
Thank you for your service. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Special Agent Rios.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
United States Department of the Treasury - Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms has lost 12 officers; 6 of them killed feloniously.
Ariel is one of 754 officers killed feloniously in DC, 53.1% of the 1,419 remembered there.
Ariel is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Ariel is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1982, 1 officer at United States Department of the Treasury - Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms was killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 3 years on record. The heaviest was 1993, with 4.
In 1982, 5 officers in DC were killed feloniously, the 50th heaviest of 159 years on record. The heaviest was 1922, with 20.
In 1982, 122 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 42nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1982, 142 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 35th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Ariel was 28. Of the 6 killed feloniously at United States Department of the Treasury - Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms whose age is recorded, half were between 27.3 and 29.5; the middle age was 28.
Ariel was 28. Of the 580 killed feloniously in DC whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 44; the middle age was 36.
Ariel was 28. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38.
Ariel was 28. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
December holds 16.7% of these deaths at United States Department of the Treasury - Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms; February holds the most, 66.7%. Thursdays: 16.7%.
December holds 10.3% of these deaths in DC; July holds the most, 11.7%. Thursdays: 13.7%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Thursdays: 14%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 12 deaths at United States Department of the Treasury - Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 53.1% of all 1,419 deaths in DC, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 19.6% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
United States Department of the Treasury - Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms has 12 officers remembered here, Ariel among them.
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Craig Peter Carney Dec 1, 1972
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Richard Phillip Daniels Sep 24, 1974
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James Fulton Grayson, III
Jan 10, 1976
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Dale M. Harbolt
Jun 7, 1976
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Ariel Rios
Dec 2, 1982
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Eddie Benitez
Jul 12, 1983
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Johnny Alvin Masengale
May 6, 1992
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Conway Charles LeBleu
Feb 28, 1993
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Todd Wayne McKeehan
Feb 28, 1993
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Robert John Williams
Feb 28, 1993
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Steven David Willis
Feb 28, 1993
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David Elliott Sullivan
Mar 31, 1994
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 20-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
11 officers from United States Department of the Treasury - Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms are honored on badge.nw.
