Pennsylvania man charged with attempted murder and assault of a DEA agent, along with related drug and firearms violations

PITTSBURGH, Pa – A Pittsburgh resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of attempted murder and assault on a federal officer or employee, as well as violations of federal firearms and narcotics laws, U.S. Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced December 4.

The five-count supplemental indictment named 22-year-old Drew Gordon as the sole defendant.

According to the supplemental indictment, on or about August 30, 2024, Gordon attempted to murder a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) special agent and assaulted the agent with a deadly and dangerous weapon (a firearm). The supplemental indictment also charges Gordon with possession of 40 grams or more of fentanyl and quantities of cocaine base and cocaine, as well as possession of a firearm in furtherance of this drug trafficking crime.

During a previous detention hearing in this case, the government presented testimony and evidence that on August 30, 2024, a DEA special agent was shot multiple times while working on an unrelated investigation in the Carrick area of ​​Pittsburgh. A total of 18 shots were fired. The agent was not hit by the gunfire, but his vehicle was hit multiple times. The government also noted that the Federal Bureau of Investigation, along with other law enforcement agencies, has collected extensive evidence linking Gordon to the shooting, including cell phone location records, cell phone data, surveillance video, and vehicle records and data. Investigators found ten spent 9mm shell casings at the scene and five additional 9mm shell casings were recovered from the vehicle the defendant allegedly used during the shooting.

During the prior hearing, the government also noted that investigators executed a federal search warrant at the defendant’s residence later that evening, after which officers discovered over 100 bricks of fentanyl, approximately 85 grams of crack cocaine, approximately four ounces of powder cocaine, and approximately 10,000 US dollars in cash. Officers also seized a 9mm Glock pistol with a 50-round drum magazine, an empty 9mm Glock magazine and a .40 caliber Glock pistol with an extended magazine.

“Drew Gordon allegedly fired up to 18 shots at a DEA agent, striking the agent’s vehicle multiple times, while the agent was simply doing his job: keeping our streets safe,” said U.S. Attorney Olshan. “Violent attacks on federal, state and local law enforcement pose a grave threat to the safety of our communities. We will prosecute those who unleash gun violence in our communities to the fullest extent of federal law – regardless of whether they are directed against police officers or civilians. Today we recognize the dedication of the FBI and our other law enforcement partners – including DEA, ATF, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Police Department and Allegheny County Sheriff’s Department – ​​for their quick work in identifying the suspected shooter and investigating the perpetrator’s case , which led to today’s charges.”

“The attempted murder of a federal law enforcement officer who has dedicated his life to public safety threatens our entire community,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Kevin Rojek. “The FBI and our local, state and federal partners stand side by side in holding perpetrators of violence accountable. Our agents and those of our partners are on the front lines protecting our communities, and we will respond to any attempt to harm them with the full force of justice.”

If convicted on all counts, Gordon faces a maximum sentence of at least 20 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $8 million, or both. Under federal sentencing guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based on the seriousness of the offenses and the defendant’s criminal history (if any).

Assistant United States Attorneys Douglas C. Maloney and Brendan J. McKenna are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the superseding indictment with assistance from several other agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Drug Enforcement Agency; Pittsburgh Police Department; Allegheny County Police Department and Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that brings together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Ministry launched a Violent Crime Reduction Strategy to strengthen the PSN based on these core principles: promoting trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence in the first place, targeted and strategic Establish enforcement priorities and measure results.

A superseding charge is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.