Stephen Rattigan, also known as Julius James, has been indicted for the shooting of Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers in February 2024. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr. and MPD Chief Pamela Smith. Rattigan, a 49-year-old Washington, D.C. resident, faces multiple charges including assault with intent to kill while armed and assault on a police officer.
The indictment, returned by a grand jury in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, lists six counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, six counts of assault on a police officer while armed, among other charges. Rattigan is due in court on April 4, 2025, before Judge Michael Ryan.
At around 7:30 a.m. on February 14, 2024, MPD officers attempted to arrest Rattigan at 5032 Hanna Place SE, Washington, D.C. When officers attempted to force open the residence door after receiving no response from inside, Rattigan allegedly fired shots, injuring three officers. During the standoff, the suspect reportedly fired three more shots out of the door amid negotiations.
The officers found thirty-one dogs, firearms, and large-capacity magazines inside Rattigan's home upon his arrest. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has been notified to investigate Rattigan as part of the ongoing process. The investigation is being conducted by the Metropolitan Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Goldstein.
Officials emphasize that an indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
