Scott Roberson

Scott Michael Roberson (1970–2009) was an American intelligence officer and former police detective. He was killed in the Camp Chapman attack in Khost, Afghanistan, a suicide bombing that targeted Central Intelligence Agency personnel. He had a long career in law enforcement and international security. He was known for his work in counterterrorism.

Early life and education

Roberson was born in Manchester, Ohio, and raised in Tolland, Connecticut. He is the son of son of Harry and Sally Roberson of Stow, Ohio.[1] He attended Tolland High School and later completed high school at Sycamore High School (Cincinnati, Ohio).[2][3] He earned a degree in criminology from Florida State University. Roberson was an avid Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) practitioner.[4]

Career

Law enforcement

He started his career with the Atlanta Police Department, working undercover in the Narcotics division before transitioning to international security. After serving with the Atlanta Police Department, where he worked undercover in narcotics, he transitioned to global security roles, including in Kosovo and Iraq.[5]

Security details

He served with United Nations security forces in Kosovo and completed multiple tours in Iraq, where he was responsible for protecting high-profile officials in high-risk environments.[6]

CIA and death

Roberson joined the CIA shortly before his deployment to Afghanistan in 2009. On December 30, 2009, Hanson was killed in the Camp Chapman attack in Khost, Afghanistan. The attack was carried out by Humam Khalil al-Balawi, a Jordanian double agent who had gained the CIA's trust.[7] The bombing was a significant loss for the CIA and led to widespread media coverage and internal reviews of security procedures.[8] At the time, Roberson was working as a security officer for the CIA.[6] He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.[9]

Memorials and scholarship

After his death, the Tolland, CT community dedicated a bench in his name at Crandall Park. His family established the Scott M. Roberson Memorial Fund. The fund provides financial support to Tolland High School graduates pursuing undergraduate degrees who have shown a strong commitment to community service.[10][11]

References

1. Staff Writer. "Ohio native, ex-Navy Seal killed in Afghan bombing". Akron Beacon Journal. Retrieved 2024-10-06.
2. Amanda Garrett, The Plain Dealer (2010-01-03). "Ohio native among seven CIA officers killed in Afghanistan by suicide bomber, family says". cleveland. Retrieved 2024-10-06.
3. Rudell, Tim. "Ohio Native Killed In CIA Suicide Bombing". NPR.
4. Palmquist, Chris (2010-01-08). "Man killed in CIA outpost attack was avid BJJer". MMA Underground. Retrieved 2024-10-06.
5. "SCOTT ROBERSON Obituary (2010) - Cleveland, OH - Cleveland.com". Legacy.com. Retrieved 2024-10-06.
6. "Suicide attack on CIA base killed father-to-be". NBC News. 2010-01-04. Retrieved 2024-10-06.
7. Stolberg, Sheryl Gay; Mazzetti, Mark (2010-01-07). "Suicide Bombing Puts a Rare Face on C.I.A.'s Work". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2024-08-19.
8. Shapira, Ian (2019-12-31). "The frantic effort to save lives after a deadly attack on the CIA". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 2024-08-19.
9. "On December 30, 2009, in Khowst, Afghanistan, a suicide bomber attacked Camp Chapman, killing seven CIA officers including Jennifer Matthews, Scott Roberson, and Elizabeth Hanson. They are laid to rest in Section 59, Court9, and Section 60, respectively. We honor their service". Twitter.
10. "Scott Roberson Memorial Fund". CharitySmith. Retrieved 2024-10-06.
11. "Local Announcement: Scott Roberson Scholarship for Tolland High School Class of 2019". Tolland, CT Patch. 2019-05-28. Retrieved 2024-10-06.