Reactions pour in after 2 Florida police officers shot during Orlando traffic stop: 'Doing everything we can'
ORLANDO, Fla. - Several law enforcement agencies in Florida are taking to social media in solidarity with the Orlando Police Department after two of its police officers were shot during a traffic stop in downtown Orlando late Friday night.
During a news conference, Orlando Police Chief Eric Smith said the two police officers were shot around 11 p.m. after pulling over a suspect connected to a Miami homicide case.
2 Orlando police officers shot during traffic stop
Two Orlando police officers are at the hospital in critical condition after being shot Friday night during a traffic stop, Orlando Police Chief Eric Smith told reporters early Saturday morning, and a massive manhunt is actively underway to find the suspected shooters.
The 28-year-old suspect then took off after carjacking another driver, authorities said.
Officers later found the suspect at the Holiday Inn at Caravan Court at 6 a.m. Saturday and evacuated the hotel. The suspect barricaded himself in the room and shot at the SWAT officers multiple times around 6:58 a.m., police said. He was shot by officers multiple times and died.
The two Orlando police officers were rushed to Orlando Regional Medical Center in critical condition, but are expected to make a full recovery, doctors said.
Many agencies are sharing their thoughts and prayers for the two officers shot.
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Orange County Sheriff's Office: ‘Doing everything we can’
The Orange County Sheriff's Office said it was thinking of the injured officers and "doing everything we can to bring these suspects to justice." They asked people to join them in praying for the officers and their recoveries.
Seminole County Sheriff's Office: ‘We stand with them in solidarity’
The Seminole County Sheriff's Office also shared a statement on social media saying its hearts go out to the Orlando Police Department. "We stand with them in solidarity, praying for the swift recovery of the officers involved."
Gov. Ron DeSantis: ‘The perpetrator must face harsh justice’
In a tweet, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said he and his wife, Casey, are praying for the officers, their families and the entire police department.
"Our brave men and women in law enforcement put their lives on the line every day to serve and protect. The perpetrator must face harsh justice," he wrote.
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer: ‘Put their lives on the line every day’
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer also took to social media, saying he visited the officers shot and their families Saturday morning.
UCF Police: ‘We are thinking of their colleagues and loved ones’
The UCF Police Department in Orlando said its hearts are with the officers.
"We are thinking of their colleagues and loved ones," they wrote.