Officer Leslie William Coffelt, White House Police Force, U.S. Government

Officer Leslie William Coffelt

White House Police Force, U.S. Government

End of Watch Wednesday, November 1, 1950

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Leslie William Coffelt

Officer Leslie Coffelt was shot and killed when two Puerto Rican nationalists attempted to shoot their way into Blair House, the temporary residence of President Harry S. Truman, in Washington, DC.

One of the suspects was shot and killed by Officer Coffelt, and the other was caught and sentenced to prison. The suspect who was arrested was pardoned in 1979 after serving 29 years and was deported to Puerto Rico, where he died in 1994.

Officer Coffelt was a WWII veteran and had served with the White House Police Force for 15 years. He had previously served with the Washington D.C. Metropolitan Police Department from 1929 to 1936 and from 1941 to 1942. He is survived by his wife and daughter.

He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia.

Bio

Age 40
Tour 15 years
Badge Not available
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Location District of Columbia
Weapon Handgun; 9 mm
Offender One killed; One Apprehended

terrorism

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Most Recent Reflection

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Officer Coffelt, today marks the 74th year since your murder. It's an event that is both widely known and forgotten at the same time. You gave your life protecting one of the most important persons in our democracy and your life was taken for nothing. You are a true hero, those who murdered you, who's names I forget and don't care to remember, are worm food. Thank you for your efforts and years of service to our Country, you have not, nor will be forgotten.

God Bless you, Brother, and may you forever Rest in Peace.

Officer Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Department

November 1, 2024