File photo
By Umar Farooq
WASHINGTON
Three sheriff's deputies and four police officers were shot Wednesday in South Carolina, according to local law enforcement officials.
One of the officers has died from their wounds, the officials said in a news conference.
The incident occurred in Vintage Place, an upscale residential community in Florence County, during what was deemed an active shooter situation by the Florence County Emergency Management Department (FCEMD).
The police officers and deputies had attempted to serve a search warrant at a residence when the occupant opened fire on them.
The shooter continued to fire on the officers and barricaded himself in his residence, which contained children. The standoff reportedly lasted for about two hours.
The suspect, a white male, is currently in custody, according to the department.
"The active shooting situation is over and the suspect is in custody. We are asking everyone to stay away from Vintage Place, as there is still an active crime investigation in progress," the FCEMD said on Twitter.
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster offered prayers for the wounded officers.
"This is simply devastating news from Florence. The selfless acts of bravery from the men and women in law enforcement is real, just like the power of prayer is real. Peggy and I ask that you pray for them, pray for their recovery, pray for their families, and pray for all of Florence," McMaster said on social media.
U.S. President Donald Trump took to Twitter to offer his sympathies to the officers.
"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," Trump tweeted.
