On December 15, 1985, the US Marshals Service and the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, D.C., pulled off one of the most successful sting operations in US law enforcement history. Dubbed Operation Flagship, the plan lured fugitives to the Washington Convention Center with a seemingly irresistible offer, two free tickets to an NFL game between the Washington Redskins and the Cincinnati Bengals, along with a chance to win a trip to Super Bowl XX in New Orleans.
Over 3,000 wanted criminals with more than 5,000 outstanding warrants received invitations from a fictitious company, Flagship International Sports Television, Inc. While only 167 confirmed their attendance, the results were staggering as 101 fugitives walked right into the hands of law enforcement, believing they were about to receive a once-in-a-lifetime prize.
The Sting: How Law Enforcement Pulled It Off
The operation required careful planning and flawless execution. More than 166 US Marshals and officers disguised themselves as cheerleaders, ushers, mascots, caterers, and maintenance staff. Even the Redskins mascot and a knock-off San Diego Chicken were undercover marshals. The event looked completely legitimate, with balloons, buffet tables, Redskins highlight reels playing on big screens, and even a welcoming speech from Louie McKinney, the chief of enforcement operations for the US Marshals Service, who played the role of the event’s “master of ceremonies.”
The operation required careful planning and flawless execution. More than 166 US Marshals and officers disguised themselves as cheerleaders, ushers, mascots, caterers, and maintenance staff. Even the Redskins mascot and a knock-off San Diego Chicken were undercover marshals. The event looked completely legitimate, with balloons, buffet tables, Redskins highlight reels playing on big screens, and even a welcoming speech from Louie McKinney, the chief of enforcement operations for the US Marshals Service, who played the role of the event’s “master of ceremonies.”
To avoid raising suspicion, undercover agents checked in the fugitives and verified their identities against a hidden list. They also used code words to signal particularly dangerous individuals known as “double winners.” Female officers disguised as cheerleaders offered hugs and pats on the back, a way to frisk attendees for weapons. The moment the fugitives were seated in a special hall, McKinney made the big announcement: “We’ve got a big surprise for you, everybody’s under arrest.” Immediately, 25 tactical officers stormed in, securing the room and placing all suspects in handcuffs.
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The Aftermath: A Historic Success In Law Enforcement
By the end of the operation, the authorities had arrested 101 fugitives without a single injury or resistance. The group included individuals wanted for murder, rape, robbery, narcotics violations, parole violations, and other serious crimes. The operation cost just $22,100 in total, or about $218 per arrest, an enormous cost savings compared to the usual $1,295 per arrest spent by the Marshals at the time.
The media played a crucial role in publicizing the operation, with CBS and the Los Angeles Times capturing footage of the sting. Even the Washington Post praised the plan’s effectiveness, detailing the fugitives’ criminal histories. Moreover, Operation Flagship’s success bolstered the reputation of the Fugitive Investigative Strike Team (FIST) and set the gold standard for future undercover stings.
Operation Flagship remains one of the most legendary fugitive roundups in history. Hollywood drew inspiration from it as both the 1989 Al Pacino film Sea of Love and an episode of The Simpsons featured similar operations. More recently, this operation reportedly influenced M. Night Shyamalan’s 2024 film Trap. Nearly 40 years later, people still remember Operation Flagship as a brilliant example of how law enforcement outsmarted criminals by exploiting their own greed and desperation.
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