One police officer is dead and seven others have been injured in a shooting incident that occurred in South Carolina yesterday.
According to the BBC, a gunman had been holding children hostage at a home in the town of Florence when he became involved in a two-hour standoff with responding officers after authorities attempted to serve a search warrant. All the children are now safe, though the motive for the crime is still unclear, and a suspect has not yet been named.
Various sources named the deceased officer as “Terrence Carraway,” who was a 30-year veteran of the Florence Police Department. Florence Police Chief Allen Heidler described Carraway as agood friend and “the bravest police officer” he’s ever known,” according to CNN.
This is a true hero. #FlorenceSC Police Officer Terrence Carraway. Who gave up his life yesterday to save others. There is no greater love than that. pic.twitter.com/QXI6oxOBx1
— Pasco Sheriff (@PascoSheriff) October 4, 2018
“Fire was being shot all over,” said Florence county Sheriff Kenney Boone in a press briefing following the incident. He noted that the suspect’s “view of fire” gave him a crucial “advantage” over the officers, and mean that responding units “couldn’t get to the ones who were down.”
“These officers went there unknowing the firepower this suspect had,” Boone added. “Please keep our officers and our agencies in your prayers.”
WATCH: Officials hold press conference after 1 law enforcement officer was killed in Florence, #SouthCarolina, 4 others injured –> http://via.fox61.com/K7SLn
Posted by FOX 61 on Wednesday, October 3, 2018
South Carolina Governor, Henry McMaster, solicited prayers for those officers who remain injured in hospital – their condition is currently unknown.
“This is simply devastating news from Florence,” McMaster tweeted. “The selfless acts of bravery from the men and women in law enforcement is real, just like the power of prayer is real.”
In a follow-up tweet, McMaster wrote: “Peggy and I ask that you pray for them, pray for their recovery, pray for their families, and pray for all of Florence.”
President Trump added his “thoughts and prayers” for the Florence County Sheriff’s Office and police department. “We are forever grateful for what our law enforcement officers do,” he wrote.
My thoughts and prayers are with the Florence County Sheriff’s Office and the Florence Police Department tonight, in South Carolina. We are forever grateful for what our Law Enforcement Officers do 24/7/365. https://t.co/ZwDmDthItD
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 4, 2018
Do pray for the family of the victim and a speedy recover for those officers being treated right now.