Two Cops Shot Outside Courthouse: One Dead, One Critical

At least one deputy died and another deputy was critically wounded during a shooting at a Kansas courthouse.

Wyandotte County Sheriff’s office has identified the deputy who died as Patrick Rohrer, 35, according to KCUR-TV. He had spent seven years on the force.

A second deputy, who wasn’t named, was in critical condition at the University of Kansas Hospital.

The suspect, according to reports, was also shot and is at the KU Hospital.

The incident is still under investigation, according to officials. Two deputies were transporting detainees to court when the shooting occurred.

“It is very possible that with their own firearm, they were both shot,” sheriff’s Maj. Kelli Bailiff said during a news conference at the University of Kansas Hospital, according to The Associated Press.

Authorities said it was too early in the investigation to publicly detail how the shootings could have happened. Investigators will be reviewing surveillance video, according to Kansas City Police Department spokesman Zac Blair. The department is leading the investigation.

Bailiff said investigators do not believe the public is in any danger. Video from the scene showed the courthouse surrounded by yellow police tape, several police vehicles parked in the street and numerous uniformed law enforcement officers walking the grounds.

Kansas Gov. Jeff Colyer was briefed on the shooting as he arrived at Children’s Mercy Park for a congressional forum hosted by the Kansas City, Kansas, Chamber of Commerce, The Kansas City Star reported. He offered a moment of silence for the deputies after he finished his speech at the event.

Police said that they believe the inmate, who was shackled and handcuffed, took a gun from the deputy and shot them, KMOV reported. It happened in a parking lot.

Officials aren’t looking for other suspects, KMOV reported.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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