Funeral Services Set for Slain Census Bureau Guard

Funeral services will be held Friday for the Virginia security guard fatally shot outside the U.S. Census Bureau headquarters in Prince George’s County as Washington, D.C., police chased a kidnapping suspect across the region.

The guard, Lawrence Buckner, 59, died at Prince George’s Hospital Center in Cheverly last Thursday.

Buckner, of King George, VA, is survived by his wife of 36 years, a son, four grandchildren and a large extended family, reports WTOP.

A viewing will be held from noon to 5 p.m. Thursday at Cedell Brooks Funeral Home in Port Royal, VA, with the family present to greet visitors from 6 to 8 p.m. The funeral service is planned for noon Friday at Little Zion Baptist Church, 7748 Leedstown Road in Colonial Beach, VA.

WTOP reports the suspected shooter is Ronald Anderson, 48, who was shot by police in Washington, D.C. His condition is not known.

Buckner saw the suspect arguing with someone in his car. D.C. Police Chief Cathy Lanier said Buckner was shot when he approached the car.

Buckner had worked for Master Security in Hunt Valley for 15 years, NBC reports, and was stationed at the Census Bureau for about five years.

Authorities were looking for a green Honda Accord Thursday following a domestic kidnapping in Northwest D.C. about 5:30 p.m. WTOP reports Buckner was shot in the chest when he walked to a car matching the description of the wanted vehicle. The chase continued with police and Anderson trading gunfire until it ended at 11th and H streets in Northeast D.C.

Census Director John Thompson in a statement Friday thanked Buckner for protecting workers and said prayers are extended to the slain guard’s family.

“We know the situation last night was tense, especially for the hundreds of employees who sheltered in the building and in their cars for several hours not knowing when the incident would be over,” Thompson was quoted by WTOP. “… We appreciate everyone’s cooperation as law enforcement worked to clear the scene to make sure we were safe and free from danger.”