One police officer got killed and six other law enforcement officers got wounded in South Carolina on Wednesday. Officials had reported an “active shooter” situation in Florence.
The gunman had been holding children as hostage. Florence County Sheriff’s Maj. Mike Nunn told the Associated Press that all the children were released safely as the suspect was apprehended.
The situation had become so dangerous that police had to use a bulletproof vehicle to rescue the injured officers.
Florence Police Chief Allen Heidler confirmed at a news conference on Wednesday night that three Florence County sheriff’s deputies and three more Florence police officers who were shot were all getting appropriate medical attention.
The chief said all the injuries were a result of gunfire. He said that the department was assisting the sheriff’s office in responding.
Officials initially had tweeted about the situation at around 5 p.m. ET. They warned people to “stay away from the area.” The situation started around 4 p.m. when officers went towards the home to serve a warrant for an unknown offense.
The officer who lost his life was identified as Officer Terrence Carraway. He was a 30-year veteran of the Florence Police Department.
President Donald Trump tweeted that his thoughts and prayers are with the Florence Police Department and Florence County Sheriff’s Office tonight. He added that they are forever grateful for what their Law Enforcement Officers do 24/7/365.
Henry McMaster , South Carolina Gov. called the shootings a simply devastating news and asked for prayers for the officers, their families and also for all of Florence.
He said that the selfless acts of bravery from the men and women in law enforcement is real and similarly the power of prayer is real.
Authorities said the shooting in Florence, which is roughly 80 miles east of Columbia happened in Vintage Place which is an upscale neighborhood in the western part of the city.
The area had already been badly affected from the effects of Hurricane Florence, which had caused extensive flooding in the state.
This was the second shooting of multiple police officers this year in South Carolina. A 47-year-old former banker shot four officers in York County in January after his wife called 911 to report he beat her. One officer was killed in this incident. Christian McCall had pleaded guilty and was sentenced to life without a parole.
