FBI agent charged with attempted murder in Metro passenger’s shooting

An FBI agent has been charged with attempted murder after he fired multiple shots while off-duty on board a Metro train passing through Maryland.

The Washington Post reports that court records in Maryland unsealed Tuesday show Eduardo Valdivia charged with attempted murder, first-degree assault and reckless endangerment.

Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Maxwell Uy said Valdivia turned himself in on Tuesday before he was scheduled for his first court appearance, The Associated Press reported.

The confrontation occurred in December when Valdivia and another man had a verbal exchange and “multiple shots were fired by the agent, striking the passenger,” the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority said.

Robert Bonsib, the lawyer for Valdivia, said in a statement to the AP that Valdivia was approached by “a man who threatened his personal safety, and he acted reasonably in order to prevent himself from being killed.”

It is not clear when Valdivia’s next court appearance will be. 

“The FBI is aware of the recent charges brought by the Montgomery County, Maryland State’s Attorney’s Office involving an FBI Special Agent, and we are fully cooperating with the State’s Attorney’s Office on this matter. As is customary following a shooting incident, this matter will be subject to internal review,” an agency spokesperson said. 

—Updated at 4:40 p.m.