26-year-old deputy sheriff killed in ambush: Louisville police

A search is underway for the unknown sniper (s) who ambushed and shot dead a 26-year-old sheriff’s deputy near Louisville, Ky., Authorities said.

Jefferson County Sheriff’s Deputy Brandon Shirley was gunned down around 2:30 a.m. local time on Thursday while in an after-hours security position at Rockford Lane Auto Sales in Shively, said Jefferson County Sheriff John Aubrey at a press conference. Shirley was in uniform at the time, the sheriff said.

Shirley was rushed to the hospital where he died, Aubrey said.

Louisville Metro Police are investigating.

Police chief Erika Shields said Shirley was “targeted” and “ambushed”.

She called the shooting “sickening” and vowed to make an arrest.

Shirley, assigned to the Courts Security Division, joined the department in 2019.

Aubrey described Shirley as brave and well-liked.

Shirley and three other officers were recently awarded the Medal of Bravery for assisting in a shootout in Jefferson Square Park, the sheriff said.

Forty-five law enforcement officers have been fatally injured in the United States so far this year, according to FBI data.