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Accused Philadelphia cop killer Eric Lewis faces new federal gun, robbery charges after deadly ambush

The man accused of ambushing two Philadelphia police officers, killing one and wounding another, now faces federal charges.

Eric Lewis, 35, is accused of fatally shooting Philadelphia Police Officer Shane Seiber and wounding his partner. He faces a range of state charges, among them murder, homicide of a law enforcement officer, attempted murder, 10 counts of attempted homicide of a law enforcement officer, aggravated assault, terroristic threats and other related offenses.

In addition to the state-level charges, Lewis on Thursday was indicted on federal charges of interstate commerce by robbery, discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon, theft of a firearm that has moved in interstate commerce, and possession of a stolen firearm and stolen ammunition.

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If convicted, the charges bring a statutory maximum of life in prison and a minimum of 10 years.

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At a news conference on Thursday, David Metcalf, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, said that Lewis wasn't allowed to carry a gun under U.S. law.

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"Under federal law, Eric Lewis is not allowed to possess a firearm. He is a convicted felon under federal law. He is certainly not allowed to steal a firearm, and under federal law, he is certainly prohibited from using any firearm to rob, shoot, and kill a police officer, as a result of those actions," Metcalf said.

This is a developing story.

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Philly officer murdered in line of duty promoted to sergeant as police from around US attend his funeral

PHILADELPHIA — Thousands of police officers from around the U.S. traveled to the City of Brotherly Love Tuesday for the funeral of Shane Seiber, who was shot and killed in the line of duty on Oct. 10, when prosecutors say an armed suspect shot him and his partner.

Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin J. Bethel announced during the service at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul that Seiber had been promoted posthumously to the rank of sergeant.

Seiber had served 10 years in the department after spending the prior decade in the Air Force, where he deployed for two tours in Iraq.

Officers from around Pennsylvania and other states packed the memorial service to pay their respects.

SUSPECT IN DEADLY PHILADELPHIA POLICE AMBUSH FACES 76 CHARGES, ORDERED HELD WITHOUT BAIL

Seiber and his partner were responding to a report of a man waving a gun in West Philadelphia when prosecutors say a man named Eric Lewis approached them from behind and asked what they were doing on his doorstep.

PHILADELPHIA POLICE OFFICER KILLED, PARTNER SHOT 12 TIMES IN AMBUSH; SUSPECT FOUND HIDING IN TREE

They got into an argument, a struggle ensued and then Lewis allegedly opened fire, striking Seiber three times and his partner 12. Lewis was arrested after a standoff with SWAT officers — allegedly carrying two handguns, one belonging to the officers, and a shotgun.

FOX 29 Philadelphia has identified Seiber's partner as Officer Hector Rodriguez III, a 33-year-old father of five. He survived his injuries.

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Lewis, 35, had been acquitted at trial in a prior murder case, according to Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner, who blamed a "deeply flawed" investigation.

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Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker announced that the city would create an annual internship program for public service in Seiber's honor during a eulogy Tuesday, describing him as "a giant of a man" and "clearly a gentleman of the first class."

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Prior to joining the police department, he served in the Air Force and deployed for two tours in Iraq, she said.

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Seiber is survived by his wife, Lisa, and their children Finn, 7, and Emily, 3.

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Fox News' CB Cotton contributed to this report.

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