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FBI opens investigation into possible charges against Pickett

VIDEO CNN's Art Harris talks to neighbors of the White House shooting suspect Play video (QuickTime, Real or Windows Media) CNN Legal Analyst Greta Van Susteren discusses possible charges against Pickett Play video (QuickTime, Real or Windows Media)

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WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The FBI has officially opened an investigation on a possible charge of assault on a federal officer against Robert Pickett, the Indiana man who brandished and fired a handgun near the White House Wednesday.

A spokesperson for the bureau's Washington field office said, however, no decision has been made yet on what charges will be filed against Pickett.

Another federal law enforcement source Thursday acknowledged the charge of assaulting a federal officer with a deadly weapon was "a strong possibility". Officials said they may have further information later Thursday.

A charge of assaulting a federal officer with a deadly weapon carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison.

One official said another charge under consideration is the lesser charge of possession of a handgun without a license.

That local District of Columbia statute carries a maximum sentence of five years behind bars.

The U.S. Attorney's office said the peculiarities of legal procedures in the nation's capital allow federal and local charges to be filed together and prosecuted in federal court.

That raised the possibility that both the assault and possession charges may be filed in U.S. District Court against Pickett.

Text of Pickett letter
February 8, 2001
U.S. mulls charges against White House gunman
February 8, 2001
Accused gunman 'had emotional problems,' friend says
February 7, 2001
Armed man near White House spurs swift response
February 7, 2001
Past incidents at the White House
February 7, 2001

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