By Steve Neavling
An IRS special agent who was killed during a routine training exercise at a federal firing range in Phoenix, Ariz., on Thursday was accidentally shot by another agent, officials said.
The victim was 47-year-old Patrick Bauer, a longtime Arizona resident and a retired master sergeant with the Arizona Air National Guard, AZ Family reports.
He served for more than 20 years with the 161st Air Refueling Wing Security Forces Squadron, according to the National Guard.
“Our hearts go out to MSgt Bauer’s family, friends and all those who had the privilege to work with him. His service to the state and nation will forever be remembered,” Maj. Gen. Kerry L. Muehlenbeck, an Arizona National Guard adjutant general, said in a statement to AZ Family.
The squadron posted a tribute to Baurer on its Facebook page.
The FBI is investigating the shooting.
The Federal Correctional Institution gun range is used by various federal agencies.
