Houston shooting – what we know
- Officers were serving a narcotics warrant when they were fired upon
- 4 were wounded by gunfire; 1 injured his knee; none died
- 2 were in critical condition, 2 were discharged, another was in good condition, expected to make full recovery
- 2 suspects confirmed dead
- Shooting area has been secured
Five police officers were wounded Monday afternoon when gunfire erupted at a home in southeast Houston as they served a narcotics warrant. Four officers were struck by gunfire and one injured his knee in the incident. All were hospitalized. Two officers suffered neck wounds and were in critical condition.
About a dozen officers were serving the warrant when suspects immediately opened fire on them as they entered the home’s front door, according to police. Two suspects were fatally shot by officers.
In a press briefing Monday night, officials said the warrant involved the “alleged sale of black tar heroin” at the house.
“Once the officers breached the door and the gunfire began from the suspects, one of the suspects actually retreated momentarily to the back of the room and then that suspect came back and again engaged the officers in gunfire,” Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo said.
The shooting prompted a quick response by the Houston Police Department, including agents from Houston’s Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
CBS affiliate KHOU-TV reported earlier in the night the suspects had been barricaded inside the house. Police had used two robots to secure the scene, and that’s when they discovered two deceased suspects after the gunfire ended.
Late Monday, police said an officer who suffered a gunshot wound to his shoulder had been released from the hospital.
Follow updates below as they happen:
Wounded officer has been shot before in the line of duty
One of the four Houston Police officers shot Monday while serving a warrant at a southeast Houston home had been shot several times previously in his career, according to Chief Art Acevedo.
“He’s the case agent on this case, and he was there on the front lines,” Acevedo said. “If that doesn’t tell you about the heart of the men and women we have the privilege to lead, I don’t know what will.”
CBS affiliate KHOU-TV writes: The officer, 54, has been with the Houston Police Department since 1984.
Houston police officers’ union president: “We are sick and tired of having dirtbags trying to take our lives”
Joe Gamaldi, president of Houston Police Officers’ Union, addressed the media with spirited reaction to Monday’s shooting.
“We are sick and tired of having targets on our back,” he said. “We are sick and tired of having dirtbags trying to take our lives when all we’re trying to do is protect this community and protect our families. Enough is enough.”
Ages of wounded officers released
Officials said the identities of the wounded officers wouldn’t be released.
However, Houston Police Chief Art Acevado did release their ages:
50-year-old sergeant
50-year-old sergeant
54-year-old senior officer
40-year-old officer
33-year-old officer
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner: “This has been a tough day”
Mayor Turner and other officials held a press conference Monday night to address Monday’s shooting.
Shooting happened near Milby High School
The station said the shooting happened near Milby High School. Officials have asked residents to avoid the area.
SWAT officers and federal agents — including Houston’s Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) — have responded to the scene.
“Please avoid the area and yield for emergency vehicles,” police tweeted earlier in the night.
“We have had several officers shot. Please pray for officers,” Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo tweeted.
Police ask Houston residents to avoid the area
“Please avoid the area and yield for emergency vehicles,” police tweeted.
“We have had several officers shot. Please pray for officers,” Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo tweeted.
The suspect is down, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner tweeted earlier.
KHOU-TV said four officers were transported via ambulance and the fifth airlifted to a local hospital.
Houston police tweeted all the officers were transported to Memorial Hermann Medical Center. KHOU-TV said two officers are in critical condition.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott statement
Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued a statement Monday night highlighting “the service and sacrifice” officers put on the line every day:
“This evening’s horrific attack on police officers is a solemn reminder of the service and sacrifice our brave men and women in law enforcement make every day to keep us safe. The city of Houston and the Houston Police Department will have whatever state resources they need to bring swift justice to those involved. I ask all Texans to join Cecilia and me in praying for the officers injured, and for the continued safety of all law enforcement officers who protect our communities.”
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton statement
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton issued the following statement:
“I am deeply troubled to learn that five Houston police officers have been wounded in the line of duty this evening. The thoughts and prayers of countless Texans are with the officers, their families, and the Houston Police Department. May this tragic event serve as a reminder of the courage with which law enforcement officials serve each day.”
