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

Add to My Heroes

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

LODD Mapping FAQs

Most Recent Reflection

View all 47 Reflections

Officer Coffelt,
On today, the 75th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but also when you served with the U.S. Army during World War II. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

November 1, 2025