A suspect was charged with the murder of a federal agent following the death of a U.S. deputy. Marshal during an operation in Alexandria, Louisiana.

The United States Department of Justice reported that Clarence A. Frazier Jr., 48, was formally charged with the murder of Drew Hanson, a member of the United States Marshals Service, who died Monday while participating in the execution of an arrest warrant.

According to authorities, Frazier was wanted for failing to appear for trial in a state case involving a charge of sexual assault against a vulnerable person.

The Rapides Parish Sheriff's Office said local detectives and members of the U.S. Violent Offender Task Force Marshals were carrying out a police operation in the area of ​​Rutland Road when the shooting occurred.

According to court documents cited by the Department of Justice, a team made up of federal marshals and local agents arrived at Frazier's residence around 3:00 p.m. to execute the arrest warrant.

The authorities indicated that the agents were clearly identified as members of law enforcement, announced their presence and entered the home.

The suspect was barricaded in a room

The investigation maintains that Frazier was barricaded in a room when he opened fire on the officers.

One of the shots fatally struck Drew Hanson, who was pronounced dead at the scene.

After a prolonged confrontation, security forces managed to arrest the suspect without any more victims being reported.

The Justice Department indicated that, if convicted, Frazier could face a sentence of life in prison or even the death penalty.

The FBI leads the investigation

The investigation of the case is being carried out by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), with support from the Rapides Parish Sheriff's Office and the Department of Justice.

FBI Director Kash Patel assured that the agency will deploy all necessary resources to clarify the facts and bring the person responsible to justice.

For his part, Acting Attorney General of the United States, Todd Blanche, paid tribute to the deceased agent and highlighted that Hanson represented the commitment and bravery of members of the Marshals Service.

Security experts pointed out that operations to capture fugitives are among the most dangerous for law enforcement, because suspects usually know that they are wanted by justice and, in some cases, are willing to violently resist arrest.

Hanson's death adds to the risks that agents in charge of locating and detaining fugitives from justice in the United States face daily.