Historical Timeline

The Unabomber, Theodore John "Ted" Kaczynski's, manifesto and other belongings are sold in an online auction from May 18 through June 2.

Edward and Elaine Brown are arrested on October 4 at their residence in New Hampshire after their conviction for tax crimes. The Browns engage in an armed stand-off with federal law enforcement for months before finally being taken into custody.

Between 2006 and 2014, Special Operations Group (SOG) personnel create, develop, and mentor the Judicial Security Unit (JSU) which is a specialized unit of the Afghan National Police. SOG expands the JSU into more than 1,000 officers who are responsible for the security of the Afghan Supreme Court, its Justices, and 13 other courthouses in Kabul. SOG's program advances court security and judicial protection into all 34 provinces in Afghanistan.

Between 2003 and 2009, the Special Operations Group (SOG) deploys personnel to Baghdad, Iraq to support the Regime Crimes Liaison Office and the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs. SOG personnel establish the first Central Criminal Court of Iraq, develop a protection force for the Iraqi Courts and play a critical role in the security and operation of the Iraqi High Tribunal during the prosecution of Saddam Hussein and his regime.

Astronaut Jim Reilly, an honorary U.S. Marshal wears his badge on his space uniform during the STS-104 Mission on Space Shuttle Atlantis in July. He wears it again on a second mission to space on June 8, 2007.

The United State Marshals Service establishes its first foreign investigative presence at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City, Mexico.

On August 21, while enforcing court orders in Idaho, USMS Special Operations Group members encounter tragedy after confronting fugitive Randall Weaver near his family compound. Inspector Bill Degan and members of the Weaver family are killed after a deadly confrontation.

On August 20 the United States Marshals Service acquires its first Boeing 727 aircraft to use for prisoner transport. In 1995, the Marshals Service and Immigration and Naturalization Service merge prisoner transport services and creates the Justice Prisoner and Alien Transportation System (JPATS). Operated by the Marshals Service, JPATS becomes the largest transporter of prisoners worldwide.

The Court Security Officer program is established in cooperation with the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts.

In October, Attorney General Benjamin R. Civiletti transfers responsibility for certain fugitive operations from the FBI to the U. S. Marshals Service. Christopher Boyce is the first high profile fugitive arrested by the U.S. Marshals under this memorandum of understanding.

Wounded Knee, part of the Pine Ridge Reservation, is seized by followers of the American Indian Movement on February 27. U.S. Marshals Service volunteers from all ranks work toward a resolution. On May 8, after 10 weeks, U.S. Marshals take control of the situation. U.S. Marshal Lloyd Grimm (D/NE) and an FBI agent are wounded and two Native Americans die.

The Witness Security Program is established as a division of the U.S. Marshals Service following the passage of the Organized Crime Control Act of 1970.

Anti-Vietnam War protestors rally in Washington D.C. on October 21 in a national demonstration against the war. Military Police are joined by nearly 300 Deputy U.S. Marshals at the Pentagon. A riot erupts and lasts into the night. During the riot, more than 680 people are arrested.

Ruby Bridges is escorted to her New Orleans elementary school on November 14 by Deputy U.S. Marshals who are called upon to help integrate the educational institutions of the city. The opposition to her entry and her protectors inspire artist Norman Rockwell to create an illustration, later becoming famous, entitled "The Problem We All Live With," for Look magazine. In 2000, Ms. Bridges is appointed an honorary Deputy U.S. Marshal.

THE McDONOGH THREE

In addition to Ruby Bridges, three other girls: Gail Etienne, Tessie Prevost, and Leona Tate, were concurrently escorted to a separate school then known as McDonogh #19. At the time, it was believed that this school would receive more protestors. The old school has since been converted to a museum.

The 18th Amendment prohibited the manufacture, sale and transportation of intoxicating beverages. When enforcement of the Act began, U.S. Marshals serve as the principle enforcing agents until the 1927 creation of an independent Bureau of Prohibition.

In November, Francisco Madero launches a revolution against Mexican President Porfirio Diaz from U.S. soil. The turmoil compel U.S. Marshals to protect the Mexican-American border.

Pullman Strike begins May 11. The federal courts and President Cleveland's Administration order U.S. Marshals to keep trains running to ensure the U.S. mail is safe from theft and damage.

October in Tombstone, Arizona Territory, Deputy U.S. Marshal Virgil Earp and Special Deputy U.S. Marshals, brothers Wyatt and Morgan Earp, along with Doctor John "Doc" Holliday, gun down Frank and Tom McLaury as well as Billy Clanton a short distance from the O.K. Corral.

Frederick Douglass becomes the first African American U.S. Marshal upon his appointment by President Hayes on March 17. Douglass is the U.S. Marshal for the District of Columbia and serves until 1881.

Eight Deputy U.S. Marshals are killed April 15 and 16 in Indian Territory (now Oklahoma).

The Department of Justice is created on July 1; U.S. Marshals become part of the Department.

From April 1861 to May 1865, the U.S. Marshals root out Confederate spies and confiscate property being used to support the Confederacy.

The Fugitive Slave Act is passed on September 18. U.S. Marshals begin arresting and returning fugitive slaves to their masters until 1861.

Whiskey Rebels becoming too powerful to be suppressed by U.S. Marshal David Lenox, President Washington calls on state militia to assist in quelling the rebellion.

The Judiciary Act is approved by Congress and signed into law by President Washington on September 24. President Washington appoints the first 13 U.S. Marshals.