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Incident
Police Officer Thomas Reed and Police Officer Dennis McMahon were shot and killed while attempting to arrest an outlaw. The suspect shot both officers in the chest and then fled.
The suspect was arrested a short time later and was subsequently acquitted at trial. The man was later shot and killed when he attempted to shoot another man in a saloon.
The shooting of the two officers was heard by their friend, Samuel Clemens, better known as the legendary author Mark Twain. Accounts of the shootings appeared in several of Mark Twain's writings.
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
163 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Police Officer Reed served with the Virginia City Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Virginia City community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Virginia City Police Department has lost 3 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Thomas is one of 82 officers killed feloniously in NV, 56.2% of the 146 remembered there.
Thomas is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Thomas 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 1863, 2 officers in NV were killed feloniously, the 6th heaviest of 62 years on record. The heaviest was 1979, with 4.
In 1863, 10 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 171st heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1863, 14 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 172nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
When
April holds 7.3% of these deaths in NV; October holds the most, 13.4%. Sundays: 19.5%.
April holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
April holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 3 deaths at Virginia City Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 56.2% of all 146 deaths in NV, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 15.9% 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 gun; unknown type, in 9.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
His people
Virginia City Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, Thomas among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 17-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Virginia City Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
