DEA agent killed in Tucson identified as Mike Garbo

TUCSON, Ariz. (KOLD News 13) - The DEA agent killed in a shooting at the Amtrak station in downtown Tucson early Monday, Oct. 4, has been identified by several members of the law enforcement community.

According to a tweet from Derek Maltz Sr., who has spent nearly three decades in federal law enforcement, the agent who died is Mike Garbo.

Steve Antle, also a former officer, posted to Facebook about Garbo’s death.

“Mike Garbo was a good friend, a very nice guy, and an excellent police officer,” Antle wrote. “His loss is not only one for the (Metropolitan Nashville Police Department) and DEA family, but for our nation. He died protecting us from the flow of illegal drugs coming into the U.S. In my book, he is a hero.”

On Tuesday, Gov. Doug Ducey ordered that flags at state buildings be flown at half-staff until sunset the next day in honor of Garbo.

According to a news release from Ducey, Garbo joined the DEA in 2005 and worked to end drug trafficking “from Nogales, Arizona to Kabul, Afghanistan.” Garbo was previously recognized for his expertise, leadership and mentorship skills. He was also a father and a husband.

“Group Supervisor Garbo died serving others in that heroic duty. He dedicated his career to protecting our communities from the trafficking of illegal drugs and the crime that accompanies them,” Ducey said in a statement. “He will be remembered for his exceptional service and the deep impact he had on all those who worked with him.”

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