IRS special agent killed during training at Phoenix firing range identified

PHOENIX - Officials have identified the IRS special agent who was killed in north Phoenix during a reported training exercise on Thursday.

The incident, according to a statement, happened at the Federal Correctional Institution Phoenix Firing Range.

"The agent was immediately taken to HonorHealth Deer Valley Medical Center to be treated for the injury. The agent passed away shortly after arriving at the hospital," read a portion of the statement.

On Aug. 18, officials with IRS Criminal Investigation identified the special agent who died as 47-year-old Patrick Bauer. Officials, however, did not disclose details about the training exercise.

"Bauer is survived by his wife and four children. In addition to being a special agent, Bauer was a Master Sgt. (ret.) in the Arizona Air National Guard," read a portion of the statement.

Flags fly half-staff in honor of IRS agent killed

Flags flew at half-staff Thursday in honor of IRS Special Agent Patrick Bauer, who died in a training incident at a north Phoenix shooting range last week. Gov. Hobbs ordered state buildings to lower their flags to half-staff.

The agency says their special agencies investigate criminal tax violations and other related financial crimes. In order to carry out their daily duties, including search warrants and arrests, they must carry firearms and have annual trainings.

According to a separate statement issued by the Bureau of Prisons, the shooting range was being utilized by multiple federal agencies through an interagency agreement, and no BOP or prison employees were hurt as a result of the incident.

IRS Special Agent killed during training

FBI officials say an investigation is underway after an IRS Special Agent was killed during a routine training exercise in the Phoenix area. FOX 10's Stephanie Bennett reports.

Meanwhile, FBI officials have issued a statement on the incident, which reads:

"The FBI’s Phoenix field office is conducting an investigation surrounding the death of an IRS special agent today that occurred at the Federal Correctional Institution, Phoenix firing range.

While the firing range is on Bureau of Prisons grounds, an interagency agreement allows for other law enforcement agencies to use the facility for training purposes. Today, the IRS was at the range for routine training.

To preserve the integrity and capabilities of the investigation, details of the ongoing process will not be released. Findings of the FBI investigation will be turned over to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona for review.

The FBI’s investigation will be methodical and thorough to address every element of the incident."