FBI Agent Charged with Aiming Gun at Woman in Hingham Restaurant Pleads Not Guilty

Information in this article is from Hingham District Court. Arrests and charges mentioned do not imply conviction.

An FBI agent accused of pointing a gun at a woman in a Hingham restaurant was arraigned Wednesday.

James Doyle, 55, of Duxbury, pleaded not guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon, carrying a firearm while intoxicated, and disorderly conduct. He is free on the promise that he'll return for his next court date.

At about 8:48 p.m., police responded to the Gourmet Garden for a report of a man who showed a firearm at the bar. A witness who made the initial 911 call told police that a white male in a suit sitting at the bar pointed a gun at a woman’s head. At the time, police observed Doyle at the bar with no weapon in view.

After asking Doyle to go outside, police handcuffed him while conducting a preliminary investigation. When asked, Doyle admitted to having a gun, along with an FBI identification card and badge.

When asked if he pointed his gun at someone in the bar, Doyle said he did during a verbal argument with two friends. Doyle told police that the action as a “big mistake” and the argument was “over nothing.”

During the discussion, police observed that Doyle allegedly had bloodshot and glassy eyes, slurred speech, and a strong odor of alcohol on his breath. Stoyle stated that he had a few drinks.

Two witnesses told police they saw Doyle aim a gun at a woman's head. Police attempted to view surveillance video but the bar room camera was broken.

The victim was contacted but declinced to speak to police.

In a statement, the FBI said:

The FBI takes allegations of misconduct very seriously. We are aware of the matter involving the recent arrest of an FBI employee and are fully cooperating with the Hingham, MA Police Department and the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office. This matter has been referred to the FBI’s Internal Investigations Section in Washington, DC, as well as the Department of Justice’s Office of Inspector General. Because this is an ongoing personnel matter, we will not comment further.

Doyle is due back in court on April 26 for a pretrial hearing.