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FLORENCE, SC (WBTW) – A suspect is in police custody and a police officer from Florence died after eight people, including seven law enforcement personnel, were shot dead in Florence on Wednesday night.
Emergency management officials from Florence County said on Facebook around 6 pm that a suspect is in custody and that "the active shooting situation is over". The authorities are asking people to stay away from the area because "there is still a criminal investigation going on".
According to Senior Assistant Glenn Kirby of the Florence County Sheriff's Office, the suspect went to deputies after talking with a negotiator. He was taken to the hospital for treatment.
Kirby also said that a 20-year-old man inside the house had also been shot and that he was still alive.
According to the County Coroner of Florence, Keith von Lutcken, one of the police officers has died. No other details about the conditions of the other victims are available.
Kirby confirmed around 16:55. that a shooting had occurred in the area of Hoffmeyer Road, near Vintage Place.
Officials first said that three deputies and two agents from the city of Florence had been shot dead. Around 19:45, Kirby confirmed that four policemen and three deputies from Florence County had been shot dead. He also stated that the deceased was an officer of the Florence Police Department.
According to a tweet from ATF HQ, ATF Special Agents from the Charlotte Division are on hand.
CASSER: Special ATF officers from the Charlotte Division are on the scene of the shooting involving officers in Florence, South Carolina. pic.twitter.com/XyN6Nw7Db5
– ATF HQ (@ATFHQ) October 3, 2018
"This is devastating news from Florence, the selfless acts of bravery of the men and women of law enforcement are real, just as the power of prayer is real," said the governor of South Carolina , Henry McMaster, on Twitter. "Peggy and I ask you to pray for them, to pray for their healing, to pray for their families, and to pray for the whole city of Florence."
These are just devastating news from Florence. The selfless acts of bravery of the men and women responsible for law enforcement are real, as is the power of prayer. (1/2)
– Governor Henry McMaster (@henrymcmaster) October 3, 2018
President Donald Trump also issued a statement on Twitter: "My thoughts and prayers are going to the Florence County Sheriff's Office and the Florence Police Department tonight in South Carolina, and we are always grateful that our agents of the force are doing 24/7/24 365. "
My thoughts and prayers are going to the Florence County Sheriff's Office and the Florence Police Department tonight in South Carolina. We are always grateful for what our peace officers do 24/7/365. https://t.co/ZwDmDthItD
– Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 4, 2018
WBTW News13 has an on-site team and will provide updates, on-air, online and on Facebook.
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