John Michael Gibson
1998
John Michael Gibson.
How He Died
Manner
Homicide
Cause
Gunshot wound
Mechanism
Firearm
What Happened
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.
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.
Service Record
Also Served
United States Capitol Police
Detective
Cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery
Section
28
Grave
140
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier
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Record added
August 2, 2026
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Last updated
August 27, 2026
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