The Death of Special Agent Edward J. Seitz

It is with heartfelt sadness that we inform you of the death of Diplomatic Security Special Agent Edward J. Seitz, the first special agent and Department of State employee to die in Iraq.

Ed, 41, was tragically killed in Baghdad last night during a mortar attack on Camp Victory.

Ed was a career law enforcement officer, and epitomized the best of our bureau. He will be remembered as a man of enormous generosity--one who was always thinking of others first. It is this very characteristic that led him to accept this dangerous assignment in Camp Victory, outside of the Green Zone. During his 3 months in Iraq, Ed performed magnificently, and rose to challenges time and time again to keep Americans safe. In a statement today, Secretary Powell noted that "Ed was a brave American, dedicated to his country and to a brighter future for the people of Iraq. He died in the service of his country and for the cause of liberty and freedom for others. There is no more noble a sacrifice."

During his 16-year career in Diplomatic Security, Ed served proudly in Washington, Chicago, Detroit, Denver, Shenyang, and Sanaa. He was an outstanding special agent, and we will all remember his honor, his courage, his dedication to duty, and his sacrifice.

This is a sad day for all of Diplomatic Security and the Department of State. We know all of you join us in mourning Ed's loss and send our heartfelt sympathies to his family and friends.