A Milwaukee, Wisconsin police officer was fatally shot early Tuesday in the line of duty while seeking to apprehend an alleged robber.
The officer’s name was not yet released but was referred to as a 37-year-old male officer with four years of service, according to Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman.
“Milwaukee, our hearts are heavy. Milwaukee Police Department’s hearts are heavy. My heart is heavy,” Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman said during a press conference Tuesday.
“One of our finest, who put on that uniform who put on that badge, went into work last night and paid the ultimate sacrifice for protecting our community. Milwaukee, we need your prayers. We need your support,” he added.
Despite his wounds, the officer was able to fire back at the shooter, wounding the 19-year-old suspect. The suspect was declared dead at the scene, with an investigation ongoing to determine whether his death was self-inflicted or due to the officer’s gunshots.
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The suspect’s name has also not yet been released. His alleged mother identified the 19-year-old as Terrell Thompson, according to WISN-TV.
The shooting occurred at around 1:20 a.m. Tuesday morning on the city’s south side near 14th Street and Cleveland Avenue.
Norman also addressed the members of the Milwaukee Police Department during his emotional speech.
“To the men and women of the Milwaukee Police department: I see you. I am proud of you,” he said. “The work that you do does not go unnoticed, and at this time, our community needs you. This is a time to lean in and do the work that needs to be done in our community.
“Everyone has a role in community protection,” he added.
Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson also addressed the media following the officer’s death.
“This whole city owes a debt of gratitude to that officer, to his partner, and to this entire department that goes out each and every single day to make sure that all of us are safe,” he said.
Andrew Wagner, President of the Milwaukee Police Association also addressed the media following the officer’s loss.
“We lost a public servant that gave his life in an effort to preserve peace in his community,” said Wagner. “Our officers are suffering, they’re in mourning, the officers are in mourning, our city is going to be in mourning, our entire state will be in mourning for the loss of this public servant.”
