Somerset County Felon Charged with Attempted Murder of U.S. Marshals Service Officers and Related Firearms Violations

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Rockwood, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on charges of attempted murder of federal officers and violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

The 14-count Indictment named Christopher Eric Fisher, 41, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on or about April 16, 2026, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Fisher fired at and attempted to murder a Deputy U.S. Marshal and five U.S. Marshals Service Task Force Officers while the officers were engaged in and on account of the performance of their official duties. The Indictment also charges Fisher-who was previously convicted of both drug and firearm felonies-with carrying, using, and discharging a firearm during and in relation to the attempted murder of the officers and unlawfully possessing that firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and as a convicted felon. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.

"The defendant here is charged with the most serious of offenses: the attempted murder of law enforcement personnel with a firearm," said United States Attorney Rivetti. "We will not tolerate these assaults, which strike at the very fabric of our social order. Working with our law enforcement partners, we will ensure that individuals who carry out or seek to carry out such attacks on officers or employees of the government are prosecuted and punished fully for their crimes."

"This indictment reflects our commitment to holding violent offenders accountable," said Eric DeGree, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF's Philadelphia Field Division. "This individual's attempt to kill brave law enforcement officers demonstrates a blatant disregard for human life and the rule of law. ATF and our law enforcement partners will relentlessly pursue those who threaten the safety of our community and those sworn to protect it."

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, 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 of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorneys Maureen Sheehan-Balchon and Arnold P. Bernard Jr. are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.

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