A Louisiana man charged in Monday's fatal shooting of a deputy U.S. marshal during an attempted arrest could face the death penalty if convicted.
The Department of Justice announced that Clarence A. Frazier Jr., 48, of Alexandria, has been charged by criminal complaint with murder in the killing of Deputy U.S. Marshal Drew Hanson.
Hanson was working with other law enforcement officers to apprehend Frazier after he failed to appear for trial on charges of third-degree rape and sexual battery involving a person with infirmities.
According to court documents, local sheriff's deputies and the U.S. Marshals Service obtained an arrest warrant for Frazier on Monday after he failed to appear in state court.
Officers later located him at his home, approached the residence while displaying law enforcement markings, announced their presence, and forced their way in.
Investigators said officers found Frazier barricaded in a bedroom, where he opened fire, striking Hanson. Hanson later died from his injuries.
Frazier remained barricaded during a standoff before he was arrested.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said Hanson "embodied that courage and dedication" displayed daily by U.S. marshals.
"The alleged perpetrator is now in custody and will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law," Blanche said. "Drew paid the ultimate price while protecting our communities. His sacrifice will never be forgotten."
U.S. Marshals Service Director Gadyaces Serralta said deputy marshals "put their lives on the line every day to apprehend the country's most dangerous criminals" and said the nation mourns the loss of a deputy killed while serving an arrest warrant on a violent fugitive.
U.S. Attorney Zachary Keller called Hanson "a father, a husband, a son, and a child of God" and said investigators will work "to ensure that justice is done and that accountability reflects the enormity of the loss our community grieves today."
FBI Director Kash Patel said the bureau will commit its "full force of resources" to the investigation to ensure the person responsible is brought to justice.
CBS reported that Hanson is survived by his wife and two children.
Frazier had reportedly been scheduled to stand trial Monday on the rape and sexual battery charges.