Topic overview
In brief
- Benjamin G. Allen is facing federal charges for allegedly shooting a bald eagle on his property in Washington.
- The incident occurred on February 5, 2026, when a witness reported hearing a gunshot.
- If convicted, Allen could face up to a year in prison and a fine of up to $500,000.
Summary
In February 2026, Benjamin G. Allen, a 66-year-old man from Brush Prairie, Washington, was involved in a serious incident that led to federal charges against him. Authorities allege that Allen shot and killed a bald eagle on his rural property. The incident was reported by a witness who heard a gunshot coming from Allen's property. Following the report, special agents from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife were dispatched to investigate the scene, where they discovered the dead eagle with blood around its head. A veterinarian's examination later confirmed that the eagle had died from two shotgun pellets found in its brain.
The charges against Allen include violations of the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and unlawfully killing a migratory bird. If convicted, he could face up to a year in prison and a fine of up to $500,000. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Washington announced the charges, emphasizing the seriousness of the offense, especially given the bald eagle's status as a protected species under federal law. The act, established in 1940, prohibits the killing of bald eagles, which are considered a national symbol of the United States.