On August 9, 1979, Special Agent Charles W. Elmore was killed at the FBI office in El Centro, California after an assailant entered claiming to discuss a Freedom of Information Act request. The attacker was armed with a shotgun and a .38-caliber pistol and opened fire. J. Robert Porter confronted the shooter first and was fatally wounded in the struggle; Elmore was shot while attempting to assist Porter and also died. The assailant was wounded by Elmore and later died by his own hand at the scene.

Investigators determined the attacker had past involvement with the Weather Underground, but reported no direct connection between the shooting and any specific FBI investigation. There were no further arrests or suspects. Both agents were honored posthumously; the episode prompted reviews and tighter security at FBI offices.

If anyone knew either agent or has information relevant to that day in El Centro, please share what you remember.