PHOENIX – Gabriel Manzo, 40, of Mesa, Arizona, is headed for nearly 15 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to assaulting an FBI agent with a firearm. On April 20, 2020, Manzo drove to the FBI’s Phoenix field office and opened fire, shattering windows and immediately escalating the situation into a direct threat against federal law enforcement.
The attack wasn’t a random act. Manzo unleashed a barrage of gunfire at the building itself before encountering an FBI agent, at which point he fired at the agent – three times. Luckily, the agent wasn’t fatally wounded, but the incident could have easily turned deadly. The feds say Manzo’s actions demonstrated a clear intent to cause serious harm.
U.S. District Judge Steven P. Logan sentenced Manzo to 177 months – 14 years and 9 months – after considering the gravity of the offenses. Manzo admitted guilt to both Assault on a Federal Officer and Discharging a Firearm During a Crime of Violence, charges that carry significant penalties due to the targeting of law enforcement and the use of a weapon.
The case was part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program, a nationwide initiative aimed at reducing violent crime through targeted enforcement and collaboration between federal, state, and local agencies. PSN isn’t about rehabilitation; it’s about removing dangerous individuals from the streets and sending a message to would-be attackers.
The FBI led the investigation, with crucial support from the Phoenix Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Keith Vercauteren prosecuted the case, meticulously building a case based on evidence gathered at the scene and subsequent investigation. Case number CR-20-00540-SPL-PHX will now serve as a reminder to anyone contemplating a similar assault.
Beyond the prison sentence, Manzo is also responsible for the financial damages caused by his reckless actions. The feds will likely pursue restitution for the cost of repairing the damaged FBI office. This case is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement every day, and the severe consequences awaiting those who choose violence. Release Number: 2023-036_Manzo.
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