Chase Bishop
Chase Bishop
Sky News video of the incident
Chase Bishop is a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agent residing in Washington D.C. In May 2018 he was identified by 9NEWS as the FBI agent who accidentally shot someone in the leg at a Denver, Colorado bar after doing a back flip. [1]
Shooting
On June 4, 2018, 9Wants to Know, the investigative arm of 9NEWS, confirmed with multiple sources before identifying Chase Bishop as the FBI agent who accidentally shot someone at a Denver bar after performing a back flip. [1]
The shooting, which left one person injured, occurred around 12:45 a.m. Saturday, June 2, 2018 at the club, Mile High Spirits, located at 2201 Lawrence Street in LoDo (Lower Downtown) neighborhood of Denver. [1]
The Denver Police Department said in a news release that an off-duty FBI agent was dancing at a nightclub when his handgun became dislodged from its waistband holster and fell onto the floor. When the agent retrieved his handgun, it accidentally fired and struck another person in the lower leg. That person's prognosis was "good", Denver police said. [1]
Frank Azar, the victim's attorney, told 9NEWS his client was at Mile High Spirits when he realized he was hurt and then shocked to realize he was shot. Azar says he was released from the hospital over the weekend. [1]
Criminal Investigation
While Denver Police did not press charges immediately after the shooting however they did begin a criminal investigation and have asked witnesses to come forward and call them at 720-913-2000.
Possible charges regarding the incident are pending toxicology tests taken from the agent, to determine if alcohol was a factor, and forensic evidence. Police will present their findings to the Denver District Attorney for determination of possible charges.
FBI Response
A former FBI agent told 9NEWS Crime and Justice Reporter Anastasiya Bolton that an agent who accidentally discharges a weapon will be automatically suspended for three days without pay.
The retired FBI agent also told 9NEWS if there are aggravating circumstances to the accidental discharge, the discipline could be more severe, up to firing.
The aggravating circumstances could be a policy violation, if someone is injured, if drinking was involved or if local laws or ordinances were violated.
According to the retired FBI agent, the Douglas Factors will be considered for the employee’s discipline, including “the notoriety of the offense or its impact upon the reputation of the agency.” [1]
The Douglas Factors were established in the court case Douglas v. Veterans Administration (1981).
In that case, the Merit Systems Protection Board laid out 12 factors to be considered in a federal employee’s discipline case.
The retired FBI source told 9NEWS the Bureau likely deployed an FBI team to come out and investigate the shooting and potential policy violations.
The FBI investigative team will also ask if the off-duty agent was acting in some kind of an official capacity while at the bar.
That question, according to the former FBI agent, will have to be answered to determine whether the Department of Justice will defend him in a possible civil suit. [1]
Mile High Spirits Response
On Monday, June 4, 2018, Mile High Spirits released a statement, saying the incident was the only shooting to occur at the establishment. They said the incident occurred as a result of an FBI agent disobeying their rules against carrying a loaded firearm without their knowledge. Mile High Spirits has also offered the unidentified victim free drinks for life.
Mile High Spirits' full response:
"At Mile High Spirits, we pride ourselves on being a craft distillery with high quality products and an engaging customer experience, in a fun and safe atmosphere.
It is shocking that the only shooting to ever occur at our establishment came about as a result of an FBI agent entering our distillery tasting room carrying a loaded firearm without our knowledge, in violation of our rules.
As a result of his misconduct, one of our innocent patrons was shot.
Our security team was able to execute a catastrophic event plan, ensuring, safe exit of all patrons in the establishment after the shooting.
We are deeply saddened by the events that occurred and look forward to speaking with representatives of the FBI, so we can come to understand his presence and his need to be armed in our establishment.
The whole team at Mile High Spirits is praying for the victim’s quick recovery, and he’s welcome at Mile High Spirits to enjoy complimentary drinks forever."