DEPRESSDRAWING.jpgIn most FBI discussions, both with insiders and out, it's well known that prior to 1934, the FBI was not authorized by Congress to carry weapons.  Which leads many to wonder about the FBI's use of weapons, and the authority, prior to the summer of '34 Federal legislation.  No doubt all that legislation did was "seal" what was already going on. 

For example, it's well known the FBI Agents at the Bohemia shootout had weapons and this was in April, 1934, months before the above legislation.  There were other incidents of Agent related shootings and those carrying weapons.   As a matter of fact, if you look in the "navigation" area for the information of SA Roy McHenry, you'll note his comments about Agents carrying weapons as far back as 1917!

A Bureau document of 1929 reveals the authority that existed long before the legislation of 1934.  John Fox, current Bureau Historian, located a Bureau training manual which mentions the following:  (bear in mind this is 5 years PRIOR to the 1934 legislation.)


  "(1929) Section 11, Firearms:  Employees are instructed:

        a -     That they are legally entitled to carry firearms for
defensive purposes.

        b -     That, however, as a matter of policy, they are not to
carry the same unless such action is authorized by their Special Agent In Charge.

        c -     That they are never to use such firearms except for
strictly defensive purposes.

        d -     That a supply of firearms is kept in each field office
to be issued, when necessary, to the employees by the Special Agent In  Charge. "