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Larry Potts
Former FBI Deputy Director
Approved the modified rules of engagement at Ruby Ridge that led to Vicki Weaver's death; promoted to Deputy Director; then demoted after cover-up
Overview
Larry A. Potts was a senior FBI official who served as head of the Criminal Investigative Division and approved the modified rules of engagement (ROE) at Ruby Ridge in August 1992. The standard FBI deadly force policy permitted agents to shoot only in self-defense or to protect others from imminent danger. Potts approved a change that instructed snipers they "could and should" shoot any armed adult male outside the Weaver cabin; effectively a shoot-on-sight order that exceeded constitutional standards. Under these modified rules; FBI sniper Lon Horiuchi shot and killed Vicki Weaver while she was holding her baby. After the Ruby Ridge debacle; rather than being disciplined; Potts was promoted to FBI Deputy Director by Director Louis Freeh in 1995. When investigations revealed that Potts had approved the unconstitutional ROE changes and that documents had been destroyed related to the Ruby Ridge decisions; Potts was suspended and then demoted. A DOJ investigation found that the modified rules of engagement "could reasonably be interpreted" as a shoot-on-sight order and were inconsistent with the FBI's standard deadly force policy. The Senate Judiciary Subcommittee investigation also documented evidence destruction and inconsistent statements by FBI officials regarding who authorized the ROE changes. Potts was later assigned to oversee the FBI's investigation of the 1996 Atlanta Olympic bombing; where the Bureau wrongly targeted security guard Richard Jewell.
Key Affiliations
Controversies & Concerns
Approved modified rules of engagement at Ruby Ridge that constituted a shoot-on-sight order exceeding constitutional standards
Under his modified ROE; FBI sniper Lon Horiuchi shot and killed Vicki Weaver while she held her baby
Promoted to FBI Deputy Director after Ruby Ridge despite his role in the deadly operation
Eventually suspended and demoted after investigations revealed ROE approval and document destruction
DOJ found the modified rules "could reasonably be interpreted" as a shoot-on-sight order violating the FBI's own deadly force policy
Later oversaw FBI's wrongful investigation of Richard Jewell in the 1996 Olympic bombing
Related Investigations (1)
Known Associates & Connections
Jeff Jamar
FBI supervisor under Potts during Waco siege
Lon Horiuchi
FBI sniper who shot Vicki Weaver under Potts's modified rules of engagement
Sources & Documentation
2 documented sources from official records, investigations, and reports
Personal Information
Education
Key Timeline
August 1992
Approves modified rules of engagement at Ruby Ridge; authorizing shoot-on-sight for armed adult males
August 22, 1992
Under Potts's ROE; Lon Horiuchi shoots and kills Vicki Weaver
1995
Promoted to FBI Deputy Director by Director Louis Freeh; despite Ruby Ridge role
1995
Suspended and demoted after investigations reveal ROE approval and document destruction
1996
Assigned to oversee Olympic bombing investigation; FBI wrongly targets Richard Jewell