Two FBI agents were fatally shot and three were injured while serving an arrest warrant in South Florida on Tuesday, sparking a massive backlash from law enforcement, the agency said. The subject of the warrant also died in the incident.
The FBI said agents issued a 6 a.m. search warrant at a Sunrise home as part of a violent crime against children case. Two of the injured officers were taken to a local hospital and admitted in stable condition. The third injured officer did not require hospitalization.
The two killed agents were later identified as Special Agent Daniel Alfin and Special Agent Laura Schwartzenberger.
“Every day, FBI Special Agents put themselves at risk to protect the American people,” FBI Director Chris Wray said in a statement. Special Agent Alfin and Special Agent Schwartzenberger were examples of heroism in defense of their country today. The FBI will always honor their ultimate sacrifice and will be forever grateful for their courage. ”
The fallen special agents were greeted while their bodies were escorted to the medical examiner. Both agents were known for fighting child crimes. Schwartzenberger had gone to local news outlets and attended schools to warn the youngest and most vulnerable not to fall victim.
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The FBI’s inspection division is investigating the incident. “The assessment process is thorough and objective and is carried out as quickly as possible under the circumstances,” the agency said.
The shooting is a painful reminder of another deadly day for the FBI in South Florida: the April 1986 shooting that killed two officers just 30 miles from Tuesday’s crime scene.
This morning residents received a mobile warning to stay indoors. A second said there was “no danger to the public,” while warning them of an ongoing police presence for the rest of the day, CBS Miami reported.
Several law enforcement agencies were on site in the residential community, including K-9 units, SWAT teams, and fire officers. Local police are asking residents to leave the area as the investigation unfolds.
Manuel Bojorquez and Pat Milton contributed to the reporting.