Heartbreaking news out of Gilchrist County. Two police officers were killed in the line of duty in Trenton, Florida. According to reports, the deputies were in Ace China restaurant when a gunman walked up to the window and opened fire.
GILCHRIST COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE has suffered a terrible tragedy. Please avoid the area of SR 26 from the red light to the area of subway. No suspects are at large. Further updates will be posted later.
— Gilchrist Co Sheriff (@GCSOFlorida) April 19, 2018
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ON BEHALF SHERIFF BOBBY SCHULTZ AND THE GILCHRIST COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE:
At approximately 3:00pm this afternoon, two Gilchrist County Deputy Sheriffs were shot and killed in… https://t.co/TpErCNVaDz
— Gilchrist Co Sheriff (@GCSOFlorida) April 19, 2018
Here’s the full update:
In case the Facebook post doesn’t load, it reads:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ON BEHALF SHERIFF BOBBY SCHULTZ AND THE GILCHRIST COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE:
At approximately 3:00pm this afternoon, two Gilchrist County Deputy Sheriffs were shot and killed in the Ace China restaurant in downtown Trenton, after a suspect walked up to business and shot both deputies through the window. As fellow deputies responded to the scene, they found the shooter deceased outside the business, and both Deputy Sheriffs where they died of their wounds.
At this point, it remains an active criminal investigation with no apparent motive or indications as to why this tragedy occurred. Sheriff Bobby Schultz has been on scene throughout the afternoon with his deputies and their families, notifying additional loved ones, and will be speaking to the media at 7:00pm EDT.
A Media Staging Area has been established in front of Duke Energy (not related to the incident) at 1532 East Wade Street in Trenton, Florida. Requests for footage of the scene will be accommodated and updated briefing times provided as soon as they are available. Officials from the Levy County Sheriff’s Office, the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the State Attorney’s Office have all responded to the area to assist.
This is absolutely tragic. My heart hurts for their friends, family and the entire Gilchrist County Sheriff’s Office.
We are absolutely horrified to hear the news that two Gilchrist County deputies were killed in the line of duty today. We are ready to send resources there and assist however needed – Sheriff Schultz, the GCSO, and the deputies' families are in our prayers.
— Polk County Sheriff (@PolkCoSheriff) April 19, 2018
My heart breaks with the tragic news of two Gilchrist County deputies that were senselessly killed today while in the line of duty. My deepest condolences and prayers are with their families as they mourn the devastating loss of their loved ones. https://t.co/8oFSbMIDRw
— Fla. AG Pam Bondi (@AGPamBondi) April 19, 2018
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office expresses its sincere condolences to the two Gilchrist County, FL deputies shot and killed in the line of duty today. Thoughts and prayers for the family, friends, and the entire Gilchrist County Sheriff’s Office. @GCSOFlorida pic.twitter.com/qVsInjWhiF
— Jax Sheriff's Office (@JSOPIO) April 19, 2018
Two Deputies with the Gilchrist County Sheriff's Office were shot and killed in a suspected ambush approximately one hour ago.
Please keep the friends and families of these Deputies and the Gilchrist County SO Family and our Law Enforcement Family in your thoughts and prayers. pic.twitter.com/bCUaNS9FV0— Team South Florida (@TmSouthFlorida) April 19, 2018
Our prayers go out to the brave deputies in Gilchrist County who died in service to our state. Please keep their families and the Sheriff's Dept in that close knit community in your thoughts.
— Adam Putnam (@adamputnam) April 19, 2018
#LAPD: We are saddened by the tragic loss to the Gilchrist County Sheriff's community. Our deepest condolences to the family, friends & colleagues of the two deputies killed from @GCSOFlorida. pic.twitter.com/vUdoh3tiG3
— LAPD HQ (@LAPDHQ) April 19, 2018
God bless our boys in blue.