Pittsburgh Man Charged with Attempted Murder and Assault of DEA Agent and Related Drug and Firearms Violations

Press Release

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of attempted murder and assault of a federal officer or employee, as well as violations of federal firearms and narcotics laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

The five-count Superseding Indictment named Drew Gordon, 22, as the sole defendant.

According to the Superseding Indictment, on or about August 30, 2024, Gordon attempted to murder a special agent with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and assaulted the agent with a deadly and dangerous weapon (a firearm). The Superseding Indictment further charges Gordon with possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and quantities of cocaine base and cocaine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of that drug trafficking crime.

During a prior detention hearing in this case, the government presented testimony and evidence that, on August 30, 2024, a special agent with the DEA was shot at multiple times while he was working on an unrelated investigation in the Carrick area of Pittsburgh. A total of 18 rounds were fired. The agent was not struck by the gunfire, but his vehicle was hit multiple times. The government further established that the Federal Bureau of Investigation, along with other law enforcement agencies, gathered extensive evidence tying Gordon to the shooting, including cell phone location records, cell phone data, surveillance video, and vehicle records and data. Investigators located 10 spent 9mm cartridge cases on scene, and five additional 9mm cases were recovered from the vehicle allegedly used by the defendant during the shooting.

During the prior hearing, the government further established that, later that evening, investigators executed a federal search warrant at the defendant's residence, pursuant to which agents discovered over 100 bricks of fentanyl, approximately 85 grams of crack cocaine, approximately four ounces of powder cocaine, and approximately $10,000 in cash. Agents also seized a 9mm Glock pistol equipped with a 50-round drum magazine, an empty 9mm Glock magazine, and a .40 caliber Glock pistol equipped with an extended magazine.

"Drew Gordon allegedly fired as many as 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 assaults on law enforcement, whether federal, state, or local, pose a major threat to the safety of our communities. We will pursue those who unleash gun violence into our communities-regardless of whether they target law enforcement officers or civilians-with the full weight of federal law. Today, we commend the dedication of the FBI and our other law enforcement partners-including the DEA, ATF, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Police Department, and Allegheny County Sheriff's Department-for their swift work to identify the alleged shooter and build the case that led to today's charges."

"The attempted murder of a federal law enforcement officer, someone who dedicates their 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 violent offenders accountable. Our agents, and those of our partners, operate on the front lines to protect our communities, and we will meet any attempt to harm them with the full force of justice."

If convicted on all counts, Gordon faces a maximum sentence of not less than 20 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $8 million, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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 Administration; Pittsburgh Bureau of Police; Allegheny County Police Department, and Allegheny County Sheriff's Office.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

A superseding indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Updated December 4, 2024