Long Awaited Update Regarding the Death of Hogan’s Ex-Chief of Staff Deepens Mystery

Cover Photo: Roy McGrath Mugshot

MARYLAND News (7/28/2023) – Recently, Knox County District Attorney Charme Allen declared that FBI agents involved in the apprehension of Roy McGrath earlier this year will not be charged with any wrongdoing, despite the tragic outcome. McGrath, the former Chief of Staff to Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, sustained a fatal self-inflicted gunshot wound during the arrest attempt on April 3 in West Knoxville.

According to an official statement, the incident unfolded when an FBI agent discharged a single round upon realizing that they were in the direct line of fire from McGrath’s firearm. The shot struck McGrath’s left cheek. However, the Medical Examiner’s Office could not definitively ascertain which gunshot ultimately led to McGrath’s death.

The arrest attempt stemmed from McGrath’s failure to appear in federal court on charges related to wire fraud, theft, and falsification of records. He was accused of being part of an alleged scheme to fraudulently secure a severance payment exceeding $200,000 from his former position at the Maryland Environmental Service.

The Knoxville-based FBI agents received a request from the FBI Baltimore division to apprehend McGrath. Equipped with a warrant and information about his location at the Costco on Kingston Pike, the agents proceeded to pursue him. During the encounter, McGrath refused to comply and was eventually cornered near 10702 Kingston Pike.

In a tense and alarming moment, McGrath informed the agents that he was armed and held a loaded gun to his right temple. This threatening action led the agents to believe that McGrath posed an immediate threat of inflicting serious harm or death upon himself or others. Responding to the perceived danger, one of the agents fired their weapon, hitting McGrath’s cheek. At the same time, McGrath fired his own gun, striking his right temple. He was subsequently pronounced dead upon arrival at the University of Tennessee Medical Center.

After a thorough examination of the evidence, the district attorney’s office concluded that the FBI agents’ use of deadly force was justified as an act of self-defense. The agents had reasonable grounds to believe that McGrath posed an imminent risk of death or severe injury. Furthermore, the evidence presented during the investigation did not sufficiently challenge the claim of self-defense beyond a reasonable doubt. Moreover, the medical examiner’s testimony could not definitively determine the exact manner or cause of death with a reasonable degree of medical certainty.

The unfortunate events surrounding Roy McGrath’s arrest attempt and subsequent fatality have undergone careful scrutiny and investigation. While the loss of life is undeniably tragic, the district attorney’s office found that the FBI agents acted in accordance with self-defense protocols, leading to their exoneration from any criminal charges. This case serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities and hazards faced by law enforcement officials in their relentless pursuit of justice and safeguarding public welfare.he unfortunate events surrounding Roy McGrath’s arrest attempt and subsequent fatality have undergone careful scrutiny and investigation. While the loss of life is undeniably tragic, the district attorney’s office found that the FBI agents acted in accordance with self-defense protocols, leading to their exoneration from any criminal charges. This case serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities and hazards faced by law enforcement officials in their relentless pursuit of justice and safeguarding public welfare.