Officials identify off-duty ATF agent shot in Riverview

Update on ATF agent injured in Riverview shooting

FOX 13's Jennifer Kveglis reports on the identity of the off-duty ATF agent shot outside a Riverview bowling alley on the night of Friday, Dec. 27, that was publicly revealed on New Year's Day.

RIVERVIEW, Fla. - The identity of the off-duty ATF agent shot outside a Riverview bowling alley on the night of Friday, Dec. 27, has been revealed.

According to the Sun Coast Police Benevolent Association, ATF Tampa Field Division Special Agent Matt Murray was shot in the back of the neck.

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Police report on the Riverview shooting of an off-duty ATF agent.

The non-profit shared on social media on Monday, Dec. 30, that Murray may have been permanently paralyzed from the waist down.

READ: ATF agent shot at Riverview bowling alley, suspect in custody: HCSO

Investigators said on Saturday, Dec. 28, that Murray was with his family at the bowling alley when he attempted to de-escalate a fight between a group in the parking lot.

18-year-old Christopher Smith is accused of shooting Murray in the neck and leaving in a Nissan Altima.

Suspect in the Riverview shooting of ATF agent.

Mugshot of Christopher Smith, the suspect in the Riverview shooting of an ATF agent.

Seven hours later, he was found by Hillsborough County deputies at a nearby home.

The non-profit stated in the social media post that Murray was rushed to TGH, where he underwent emergency surgery and remains in the ICU.

The social media post announcing the the identity of the ATF agent was shot at Riverview bowling alley by the Coast Police Benevolent Association.

New court documents state Murray's wife told investigators Murray was involved in the physical altercation.

READ: ATF agent shot outside bowling alley may be permanently paralyzed, court documents show

Smith admitted to investigators he did shoot Murray, but that was after Murray punched him.

Brian Boyd worked in the ATF for two years and said he helped launch an intelligence unit within the agency.

The agency operates under the Department of Justice.

"What they would be dealing with in that regional office would be dealing with firearms operations," Boyd said. "A lot of it has to do with international trafficking of weapons overseas."

Boyd continued, saying, "They would be dealing with explosive cases. In the explosives business, there are only two agencies that handle explosives. The FBI and ATF."

Smith is expected to appear in court on Thursday, Jan. 2.

The Sun Coast Police Benevolent Association has launched a fund to support Murray and his family.

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