Reps. Lee, King and Law Enforcement to Press U.S. Virgin Islands Government on Answers for Wrongly Accused ATF Agent
ATF Agent Was Protecting a Battered Woman, Now Charged with Murder
September 30, 2010
WASHINGTON – Congressman Chris Lee (NY-26), Congressman Peter King (NY-3), members of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, as well as other Members of Congress and law enforcement agencies publicly call upon the U.S. Virgin Islands to reexamine the evidence showing that Will Clark acted within his scope of duty and his actions were done according to his training.
In September 2008, Special Agent William G. Clark was stationed in the U.S. Virgin Islands to combat rising gun violence. One morning he came across a domestic dispute between a neighbor and her boyfriend, who was drunk and on drugs. Special Agent Clark’s neighbor was being threatened and pleaded for his assistance. While protecting his female neighbor from being beaten, Special Agent Clark was charged by her boyfriend, who was swinging a large metal flashlight after he threatened to retrieve a gun. Special Agent Clark fired in self defense. The man subsequently died from his injuries and Special Agent Clark is now being charged with second degree murder as well as additional charges. Special Agent Clark’s trial is set to begin in a few short weeks. A shooting incident review board cleared Special Agent Clark of any wrong-doing.
King is a cosponsor of resolution, H.Res. 1534, which honors Special Agent Clark for his “heroic actions, exemplary service, and selfless acts to protect the lives of others.”