Rachel C. Hernandez Acting United States Attorney for the District of Arizona | U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona
On Wednesday, a federal indictment was unsealed in Tucson, Arizona, charging four local residents with crimes related to an April shooting at a Tucson Police Department officer. The individuals charged are Hassan Omar Kassim, 19; Alexandra Brooke Wisdom, 19; Daniel Cardenas, 18; and Jaquvon Terell Poe, 20.
Cardenas faces charges of Use of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence. Kassim and Poe are charged with Aiding and Abetting the crime. All three are also charged with Conspiracy to Commit this offense. Wisdom is charged as an Accessory After the Fact.
United States Attorney Timothy Courchaine commented on the incident: “Any attack on law enforcement is an attack on the rule of law.” He expressed support for Tucson Police officers who risk their lives for community safety.
Tucson Police Department Assistant Chief Diana Duffy remarked on the priority given to this case: "It's reassuring to know that those responsible for shooting at one of our officers... were given the highest priority." She also acknowledged the collaboration with the United States Attorney's Office and the FBI.
Heith Janke, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Phoenix Field Office, stated: "These individuals demonstrated a clear disregard for human life," emphasizing that no injuries occurred during this event. Janke assured that acts of violence against law enforcement would be met with accountability.
The incident occurred on April 20, 2025. A TPD Officer from the Operations Division West Community Response Team observed a speeding dark-colored car while driving an unmarked vehicle. After broadcasting its license plate, Daniel Cardenas allegedly fired shots at the officer's vehicle twice before evading police pursuit.
Further investigation identified Kassim as the driver and Poe as another passenger during the shooting. Wisdom reportedly drove and abandoned the car later while removing items from it, some recovered in her apartment.
The Tucson Police Department collaborated with the FBI Phoenix Division’s Tucson Office as part of their Southern Arizona Violent Crime and Gang Task Force for this investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam D. Rossi is handling prosecution duties.
A criminal indictment indicates charges but does not imply guilt until proven beyond reasonable doubt by evidence presented to a jury.
For more information about ongoing cases handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Arizona, visit their official website.
