In the late afternoon of a bright July day in 1998, the U.S. Capitol, usually a symbol of serene order, became the scene of a sudden and violent rampage. John Michael Gibson, a 42-year-old United States Capitol Police detective, was at his post, assigned to the dignitary protection detail of a congressman. A native of Boston, Massachusetts, he had served with the force for 18 years and was a married father of three children.
The chaos began when a gunman, after fatally shooting Officer
Jacob Chestnut, made his way towards the office of the congressman Gibson was assigned to protect. Hearing the gunshots, Detective Gibson, who was in plainclothes, immediately took action, ushering interns and staff to safety under their desks. With only seconds to react, he confronted the gunman as he burst through the door.
In the ensuing exchange of gunfire, Detective Gibson was mortally wounded. Despite his injuries, he was able to return fire and wound the suspect before succumbing to his injuries. The gunman, who was known to the Secret Service for prior threats against the President, was apprehended. He was later found to be mentally unfit to stand trial and was committed to a psychiatric center at a federal correctional complex.
