Federal prosecutors have opened a separate case against Eric Lewis, the 35-year-old Philadelphia man accused of killing a police officer and wounding another in West Philadelphia on October 10. A federal grand jury indicted him on five counts, announced Thursday by U.S. Attorney David Metcalf, adding a federal track to the state murder case already pending.

What are the federal charges?

The indictment charges Lewis with interference with interstate commerce by robbery, discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon, theft of a firearm that moved in interstate commerce, and possession of a stolen firearm and stolen ammunition, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. Metcalf said Lewis qualifies as a felon under federal law because of earlier state convictions for assault and a gun crime. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison.

Read also Eric Lewis pleads not guilty in Philadelphia officer killing

Why pursue a federal case too?

Lewis already faces nearly 80 state charges from the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office, including murder of a law enforcement officer and 10 counts of attempted murder. Metcalf described the federal matter as complementary to that case, saying the Justice Department has a distinct interest in prosecuting felons who use firearms against police. "No one attacks law enforcement without facing the consequences," he said at a news conference alongside Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel and ATF officials.

What happened on October 10?

Authorities say Lewis shot Sergeant Shane Seiber and Officer Hector Rodriguez on a porch near 52nd and Arch streets after officers responded to a 911 call about a person with a gun. Seiber, a 10-year veteran and Air Force veteran, was shot three times and died; he was posthumously promoted to sergeant and buried Tuesday. Rodriguez was shot 12 times, survived, and attended the funeral. Police say Lewis fired at nine other officers during a standoff before surrendering, and the indictment says he took Rodriguez's service weapon and had a loaded 9mm handgun and a short-barreled shotgun.

What is the dispute over the earlier case?

Lewis was acquitted in 2023 in the 2019 killing of Christopher Williams. District Attorney Larry Krasner blamed that outcome on police misconduct, remarks Bethel called "absolutely unacceptable"; Krasner later said he was correcting false information. Lewis remains held without bail.

FAQ

Does the federal case replace the state murder charges?

No. Metcalf said the federal charges complement the state case, which remains active with the District Attorney's Office.

What sentence could Lewis face?

If convicted federally, he faces at least 10 years and as much as life in prison, according to Metcalf.