Section 533. Investigative and other officials; appointment
The Attorney General may appoint officials - (1) to detect and prosecute crimes against the United States; (2) to assist in the protection of the person of the President; and (3) to conduct such other investigations regarding official matters under the control of the Department of Justice and the Department of State as may be directed by the Attorney General. This section does not limit the authority of departments and agencies to investigate crimes against the United States when investigative jurisdiction has been assigned by law to such departments and agencies.
Section 540. Investigation of felonious killings of State or local law enforcement officers
The Attorney General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation may investigate felonious killings of officials and employees of a State or political subdivision thereof while engaged in or on account of the performance of official duties relating to the prevention, detection, investigation, or prosecution of an offense against the criminal laws of a State or political subdivision, when such investigation is requested by the head of the agency employing the official or employee killed, and under such guidelines as the Attorney General or his designee may establish.
While it may be nothing more than a memorandum of understanding between the county and the feds, or basis for the formation of a joint task force; it could be the legal footing necessary to involve federal intelligence. Or in other words a quiet nod to terrorism.
This is the key clause...
Why did the Chief site this section...