On April 2nd, 2024, Fox 5 Atlanta reported that state and federal law enforcement officials have identified the man who attempted to breach security by ramming the entrance gate at the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) office in Chamblee, Georgia. Ervin Lee Bolling, 48, has been arrested. This is a developing story. In this article, our Atlanta auto accident attorney explains what we know about what happened, the charges, and what comes next.
What Happened: Man Crashed into FBI Field Office Security Gate in Chamblee, GA
Chamblee is a city in northern DeKalb County. It is home to a local FBI Atlanta field office. On April 1, 2024, a car—now identified as a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)—crashed into the security gate at the FBI’s Atlanta Field Division building. According to an initial report from an officer who witnessed the incident, the driver of that SUV was attempting to follow a vehicle that had access to a secure parking lot within the facility. As that driver did so, a “pop-up” barrier rose. The SUV slammed into that gate. A man within the SUV jumped out and was subsequently detained and arrested. No serious injuries were reported in the incident. The suspect was taken to the hospital for evaluation.
Suspect Identified in the Atlanta FBI Field Office Gate Crash
The FBI and the Dekalb County police (Dekalb County Sheriff’s Office) have identified the suspect as Ervin Lee Bolling, a 48-year-old man from South Carolina. Mr. Bolling, who had his passport on his person at the time of the incident, is reportedly a veteran of the United States Navy. Indeed, WSB-TV 2 has confirmed that the suspect is a decorated Navy veteran who served on several submarines—including the USS Alaska, USS Albany, and USS Columbia—before he retired in 2017. Further, Mr. Bolling was awarded medals for good conduct, merit, achievement, and service, along with the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.
Note: At the time of publication, neither the FBI nor local police in Georgia have provided any information on Mr. Bolling purported motive for the attempted security breach.
Criminal Charges Filed Against Man Who Rammed FBI Security Gate in Georgia
According to reports, Ervin Lee Bolling is facing multiple serious criminal charges related to the incident. He reportedly tried to flee the scene and resisted arrest. In a federal court, the following two main charges have been brought against the defendant as of early April 2024:
- Interference with Government Property: The charge of interference with government property can be filed when a person unlawfully damages, destroys, or interferes with government-owned property. In the context of this case, it refers to the suspect’s attempt to breach the FBI’s secured premises without authorization—resulting in a physical obstruction of the property’s security mechanisms. It punishes the act of attempting unauthorized access or causing disruption to government operations or facilities.
- Destruction of Government Property: Destruction of government property is a federal criminal charge involving the act of knowingly destroying, damaging, or defacing property owned by the government. In this scenario, the suspect’s deliberate action of ramming a vehicle into the FBI field office’s security gate constitutes a direct attempt to damage federal property. It is a serious federal felony criminal offense.
Authorities Have Given No Statement on Motive, Some Links to Conspiracy Theories
Authorities have yet to establish a clear motive for Ervin Lee Bolling’s actions in crashing into the FBI Atlanta office’s security gate. The investigation continues as law enforcement delves into Bolling’s background, examining any potential factors that may have contributed to the incident. This lack of a defined motive keeps many questions unanswered. It is alarming because the number of incidents involving threats at FBI buildings have been on the rise in recent years.
That being said, there has been some preliminary reporting on the matter. According to a report from Wired, social media accounts that researchers believe are linked to the suspect have posted in support of QAnon and have mentioned looking for a militia to join. QAnon is a far-right conspiracy theory detailing a supposed secret plot by an alleged “deep state” against former U.S. President Donald Trump and his supporters.
The Incident is Still a Comprehensive Under Investigation
There is a lot that is still unknown about this case. The incident involving Ervin Lee Bolling and the FBI Atlanta office gate remains under an intensive investigation. Authorities are diligently working to uncover the full scope and motivation behind Mr. Bolling’s actions—including any potential underlying issues that may have influenced his decision to ram the gate. The investigative team is thoroughly examining all available evidence, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing Bolling’s background and history to construct a comprehensive understanding of the event. It is possible additional criminal charges could still be filed. There is also no word yet on whether or not there will be any civil legal claims, such as a car accident injury claim or work injury claim.
Gate Ramming Incident Highlights Inherent Safety Risk Posed By Motor Vehicles
The incident with Ervin Lee Bolling ramming into the FBI Atlanta office gate underscores the significant safety risks that motor vehicles can pose—especially when used inappropriately or maliciously. Even relatively small passenger cars weigh thousands of pounds. An Atlanta car crash can occur in a wide range of different ways. It is imperative that victims are able to get medical care, justice, and access to the maximum available financial compensation.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Car Accidents Lawyer Today
At Lourie, Chance, Forlines, Carter & King, PC, our Atlanta auto lawyer is an experienced, justice-focused advocate for injured victims. If you or your loved one was hurt in a car crash in Atlanta, we are here to help. Contact us today for a free, no obligation initial consultation. From our Atlanta office locations, we fight for the rights of victims and families throughout the region, including DeKalb County, Fulton County, Cobb County, and beyond.