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The buzz on the local news is that the letter the Chief spoke of was a formality to bolster local jurisdictions with federal resources. He quoted the following sections of Title 28 USC:

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.