Retired FBI Agent Killed in El Paso Shooting

Julio Cordero, a retired FBI agent, was shot and killed by an officer of the El Paso Independent School District (EPISD) outside Franklin High School, where he was allegedly breaking windows. Cordero, 56, had a distinguished career from 1996 to 2019, notably leading the Operation Poisoned Pawns investigation, but struggled with mental health issues including PTSD following traumatic incidents in his life, including a car accident that killed his sister. His family reported that he had been battling these issues for years and had experienced 'breaks' from reality. The incident, which occurred early in the morning before school hours, led to the cancellation of classes, and the family is seeking the release of body camera footage to review the circumstances surrounding Cordero's death. While the investigation is ongoing, his family emphasizes his legacy as a respected lawman and calls attention to the importance of mental health awareness. The El Paso FBI Bureau expressed sorrow over the loss of their former colleague, underscoring the impact Cordero had on the community.