Metropolitan Police Department, District of Columbia
End of Watch Thursday, July 7, 1904
Add to My HeroesJohn J. Smith
Officer John Smith was shot and killed by a soldier from Ft. Meyer during the 4th of July fireworks display.
Three soldiers were creating a scene on Aqueduct Bridge and Officer Smith asked them to move on. A struggle ensued between Officer Smith and one of the soldiers. During the struggle a second soldier fired with a .38 caliber handgun, striking Officer Smith in the stomach.
He succumbed to his wound three days later. The suspects were eventually apprehended. The gunman was tried and acquitted on April 12th, 1905.
Officer Smith was assigned to the 7th precinct and had served with the Metropolitan Police Department for 34 years. He was survived by his wife, six children, and his mother, and he is buried Mount Olivet Cemetery, Washington, DC.
Bio
- Age 59
- Tour 34 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Incident Date Monday, July 4, 1904
- Weapon Handgun; .38 caliber
- Offender Acquitted
Most Recent Reflection
View all 10 ReflectionsRest in peace Officer Smith.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
July 7, 2021
Recent LODD Deaths

Deputy Sheriff Jacob Eric Salrin
Richland County Sheriff's Department, SC
EOW: September 29, 2023

Community Parole Officer Christine Guerin-Sandoval
Colorado Department of Corrections, CO
EOW: September 28, 2023

Deputy Sheriff Marylin Anjanette Mayo
St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office, LA
EOW: September 21, 2023

Police Officer Darrin McMichael
Arlington Police Department, TX
EOW: September 21, 2023

Deputy Sheriff Ryan Clinkunbroomer
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, CA
EOW: September 16, 2023

Governmental Affairs Liaison Michael Elaine Griffin
Mississippi Department of Public Safety, MS
EOW: September 4, 2023

Police Officer Kevin Cram
Algona Police Department, IA
EOW: September 13, 2023

Deputy Sheriff II Auston Smith Reudelhuber
Forsyth County Sheriff's Office, NC
EOW: September 9, 2023

Detective Robert Garten
Hartford Police Department, CT
EOW: September 6, 2023