Full Breakdown
Federal Grand Jury Indicts Eric Lewis for Killing Philadelphia Officer Shane Seiber and Wounding Officer Hector Rodriguez
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The Federal Indictment
On October 10, 2026, Eric Lewis, 35, opened fire on Philadelphia Police Sergeant Shane Seiber and Officer Hector Rodriguez III on a West Philadelphia porch. Seiber was struck three times and died; Rodriguez was hit a dozen times, was hospitalized in stable condition, and later had his Glock Model 17 service weapon stolen. Federal prosecutors charged Lewis with five counts: Hobbs Act robbery, discharging a firearm during a violent crime, felon possession of a firearm and ammunition, theft of a firearm that moved in interstate commerce, and possession of a stolen firearm and ammunition. If convicted, the statutory maximum is life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum of ten years.
Background & Context
Lewis’s criminal record dates to 2012 and includes theft, gun-related offenses, simple assault and disorderly conduct. In 2023 he was acquitted of a separate murder charge from a 2019 road-rage incident after a judge highlighted alleged police misconduct. District Attorney Larry Krasner has blamed that investigation for the acquittal.
Data & Statistics
- Federal charges: 5 counts.
- Potential sentence: life in prison, minimum 10 years.
- Officers shot: 2 (Seiber killed, Rodriguez wounded).
- Additional officers fired upon during Lewis’s escape: ? 9.
- Rodriguez’s service weapon: 1 Glock Model 17 stolen.
Official Statements & Responses
U.S. Attorney David Metcalf announced the indictment, emphasizing the Department of Justice’s “distinct and compelling… federal interest” in prosecuting felons who use firearms against police. He noted the federal case is separate from the ongoing murder prosecution by the District Attorney’s Office.
Police Commissioner Kevin L. Bethel condemned Krasner’s public remarks about the prior case, calling the timing “unacceptable” and “unprecedented” in his four-decade career. Bethel said the department remains committed to supporting the families of Seiber and Rodriguez while pursuing justice.
The Philadelphia Police Department stated that “assigning blame while families are grieving does nothing to advance accountability or support those affected.”
Criticism & Opposition
District Attorney Larry Krasner accused Philadelphia officers of procedural errors and “arguably criminal” conduct that, in his view, led to Lewis’s earlier acquittal. He suggested a police officer dating Lewis’s sister fabricated false testimony.
The Fraternal Order of Police Philadelphia Lodge #5 rebuked Krasner’s commentary, labeling it “shameful scapegoating” and “political theater,” and argued his statements misrepresented facts and diverted attention from the tragedy.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Under federal law, Eric Lewis is not allowed to possess a firearm. He is a convicted felon under federal law. He is certainly not allowed to steal a firearm, and under federal law, he is certainly prohibited from using any firearm to rob, shoot, and kill a police officer, as a result of those actions,” — David Metcalf, U.S. Attorney
- “When the family was suffering, when the city was suffering … the community was suffering, my officers were suffering, and you stand up and you talk about something that is unnecessary.” — Kevin L. Bethel, Police Commissioner
What's Next
The federal case will proceed through the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Lewis remains in custody without bail pending trial. The District Attorney’s murder prosecution continues alongside the federal proceedings, with both cases expected to move forward in the coming months.