On January 14, 1980, Secret Service Special Agent Perry S. Watkins was shot and killed inside the agency’s Denver field office. Watkins was a nine-year Secret Service veteran and had thirteen years in law enforcement. A man who entered the office and spoke incoherently identified himself as Joseph Hugh Ryan. A background check by agents showed a history that included multiple arrests for threatening presidents, a prior arrest at the White House gate, previous commitment to a mental institution, and an earlier arrest when he had a gun; Ryan told agents he was armed during the Denver visit.

While agents waited for Denver police to arrive, Watkins moved from his office toward the main entrance. The suspect then drew a .45 caliber handgun. Watkins attempted to disarm him and was shot in the chest. Agents returned fire; the suspect was killed at the scene. Watkins was survived by his wife and two sons.

If anyone knew Perry Watkins, Joseph Hugh Ryan, or was in or near the Denver field office that day, did they notice anything that could help explain how the confrontation escalated?