Special Agent John Lawrence Bailey

Special Agent John Lawrence Bailey | United States Department of Justice - Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Government
United States Department of Justice - Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Government
Special Agent John Lawrence Bailey

United States Department of Justice - Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Government

End of Watch Monday, June 25, 1990

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John Lawrence Bailey

Special Agent Bailey was shot and killed in Las Vegas during a bank robbery attempt.

Agent Bailey was in a bank when it was robbed. He identified himself as an agent and ordered the man to stop. As the man turned, Agent Bailey fired a round but missed the suspect. However, he was able to take the suspect into custody and place him on a chair. As Special Agent Bailey's attention was diverted, the suspect lunged at him and knocked his gun out of his hand. The suspect recovered his own weapon and shot Agent Bailey three times.

The suspect was apprehended and sentenced to life in prison.

Agent Bailey was a U.S. Marine Corps Vietnam veteran awarded two bronze stars who served with the FBI for 21 years. He was survived by his wife and two daughters.

Bio

  • Age 48
  • Tour 21 years
  • Badge Not available
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Location Nevada
  • Weapon Gun; Unknown type
  • Offender Sentenced to life

bank robbery

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What a wonderful mentor and friend. I met John while I was a clerk in the Tampa office. Hardworking, no nonsense agent, with a great sense of humor. Always treated everyone regardless of rank or position with respect.

He transferred to Vegas and I left to become a deputy. Came back in a few years later as an agent and we then crossed paths with John at Quantico at an in-service. Later he covered a lead for me in Vegas and jokingly called me to tell me "hey kid, this one was done right!". That June day when I heard the news so long ago rocked all of us that knew him, but did not surprise me. John was never going to let a bad guy get away or hurt anyone. I have thought of him many times since then, and always on June 25th. I pray his family has been able to move on and have good lives, but that hole will never be filled.

To quote part of a line from President Lincoln in a letter to the mother of Union soldier: "I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours for laying so costly a sacrifice on the alter of Freedom". Thanks John, I did my best each day and night to live a life worthy of your sacrifice.

God bless you and your family.
Gordon Hurley
FBI Special Agent (Retired)
87-18
Atlanta Division

Gordon Hurley FBI Special Agent Retired
FBI (Retired)

June 25, 2022

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