Associated Press
TAMPA, Fla. — The FBI says the military veteran fatally shot by one of its agents at MacDill Air Force Base was a 61-year-old Massachusetts resident who was staying at the base campground.
But few other new details were released regarding the shooting Wednesday of Ronald J. Bullock of Hanson, Mass.
The FBI said Bullock was involved in an altercation at the campground that led to a pursuit by base police. When the FBI agent confronted him, Bullock pulled a knife and the agent shot him.
FBI spokesman Dave Couvertier said Thursday the agent, whose name won’t be released, was on base as part of his regular duties.
A base spokesman said anyone with a valid military ID, including veterans, is permitted to use MacDill’s campground.
At about 6 p.m., base security was called to an altercation, which wasn’t described, at a camping area inside the base, said Col. Larry Martin, the base commander.
The veteran who was described as a guest at the camping area was arguing with another person, but officials wouldn’t name either.
He evaded authorities and drove to the Dale Mabry Gate, one of the main entrances and exits to the base. Law enforcement tried to stop him and the man got off his motorcycle. He came “directly at” the agent with a knife, said FBI special agent Dave Couvertier. The agent shot more than once, killing the veteran, Couvertier said.
“This individual who was shot, approached law enforcement officers, specifically looking at agent and threatening him with a knife,” Coubertier said.
Officials said the agent is a liaison officer to the base and was assisting MacDill officers.
“Our security forces personnel acted promptly to safeguard the base and its personnel,” Martin said.
The base was not under lockdown but the Dale Mabry Gate remained closed. The RV camping area is only used by people with base access.
MacDill, located south of downtown Tampa, is home to U.S. Central Command, which oversees military operations in the Middle East and Central Asia.