The FBI arrested an individual in connection with a drive-by shooting outside a Phoenix courthouse which resulted in a federal law enforcement officer being injured.
The FBI’s Phoenix field office released a statement on the shooting: “The FBI is investigating an assault on a federal officer which occurred outside of the Federal Courthouse, 401 W. Washington, Phoenix, AZ around 11:30 a.m. One person, a court security officer, has been transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.”
The suspect’s vehicle was seen exiting the area immediately after opening fire on the officer.
A second statement from the bureau added that a suspect has been caught: “An individual is in custody in connection with the assault on a federal officer … This is an ongoing investigation. No further information can be released at this time.”
Sal DiCiccio, a member of the Phoenix City Council tweeted about the incident, stating: “If you didn’t think it could happen here, it just did. A federal officer was just shot in front of the Sandra Day O’Connor federal building in a drive by attack.”
In a follow-up tweet, DiCiccio added: “Multiple shots were fired at the officer who was struck in the vest. Injuries are believed to be non life threatening. Make no mistake, this is a direct result of the extremist anti-police attacks we have seen from BLM and Antifa across the country. This insanity needs to stop.”
BREAKING: FEDERAL OFFICER SHOT IN DRIVE BY IN DOWNTOWN PHX
If you didn’t think it could happen here, it just did. A federal officer was just shot in front of the Sandra Day O’Connor federal building in a drive by attack.
— Sal DiCiccio (@Sal_DiCiccio) September 15, 2020
DiCiccio also tweeted about the victim of the shooting, giving information about his condition and the police reaction: “The victim is a full deputized US Marshall working at the Federal Courthouse. He was transported to a local hospital, non life threatening injuries. He was able to return fire at the suspects vehicle. Officers are continuing to look for the suspect in the area. For the safety of our officers & the public, PHX PD will now be moving to two-person patrols. I’ve encouraged this for many years, while also pushing to hire more officers. Without hiring more officers, this will significantly reduce the number of patrols on the streets.”
Not the First Attack on Officers
This incident comes less than a week after two Los Angeles Sheriff’s Deputies were ambushed in Compton. A 24-year-old male and a 31-year-old female were both shot multiple times while sitting in their patrol car.
Left-wing activists stormed the hospital, protesting outside and attempting to enter the building. The activists were shouting things like ‘we hope they die.’
The LA County Sheriffs tweeted about the incident: “To the protesters blocking the entrance & exit of the HOSPITAL EMERGENCY ROOM yelling ‘We hope they die’ referring to 2 LA Sheriff’s ambushed today in #Compton: DO NOT BLOCK EMERGENCY ENTRIES & EXITS TO THE HOSPITAL. People’s lives are at stake when ambulances can’t get through.”