The United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida joined members of law enforcement at the Federal Bureau of Investigation Miami Field Office to mark the fifth anniversary of the deaths of Special Agents Daniel Alfin and Laura Schwartzenberger. The two agents were killed in 2021 while executing a federal search warrant related to violent crimes against children in Sunrise, Florida.
A ceremony took place at a memorial site featuring a tree and bench with a commemorative plaque. FBI Chaplain Rabbi Claudio Kogan led an invocation, and Special Agent in Charge Brett Skiles shared memories about both agents from their time at the Academy, as well as their work and home lives.
FBI Director Kash Patel attended and spoke at the event. He emphasized his ongoing commitment to remembering Agents Alfin and Schwartzenberger, highlighting their dedication to the FBI mission and public protection. Director Patel also announced that a permanent memorial will be established to honor their sacrifice.
On February 2, 2021, during an operation serving a court-ordered search warrant, Agents Alfin and Schwartzenberger were ambushed. Three other agents were injured in the incident. The actions taken by Alfin and Schwartzenberger have been described as representing federal service traditions and core FBI values.
U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida stated: “Five years later, the loss of Dan Alfin and Laura Schwartzenberger is still felt across our law enforcement family. They ran toward danger to protect the most vulnerable, and they paid the ultimate price in service to others. Today we honor their courage, stand with their families and colleagues, and recommit ourselves to the mission they lived every day, protecting our community and upholding the rule of law.”
The ceremony concluded with expressions of gratitude from those present for standing together on this day of remembrance, reaffirming that Special Agents Daniel Alfin and Laura Schwartzenberger will not be forgotten.
