Two deputies at the Los Angeles Police Department were hospitalized Saturday evening after a male gunman allegedly approached the vehicle unprovoked, fired multiple shots in an ambush attack, and then retreated on foot, according to officials and video surveillance.
LA County Sheriffs released a statement on Twitter following the incident: “Moments ago, 2 of our Sheriff Deputies were shot in Compton and were transported to a local hospital. They are both still fighting for their lives, so please keep them in your thoughts and prayers. We will update this thread with information as it becomes available.”
Moments ago, 2 of our Sheriff Deputies were shot in Compton and were transported to a local hospital. They are both still fighting for their lives, so please keep them in your thoughts and prayers. We will update this thread with information as it becomes available.
— LA County Sheriffs (@LASDHQ) September 13, 2020
The Daily Wire reported that one of the deputies is a 31-year-old mother of a 6-year-old boy, and the other is a 24-year-old male, revealed Sheriff Alex Villanueva during a press conference Saturday evening. He did not disclose the conditions of the officers.
BREAKING: Two LASD Transit Security Bureau deputies have been shot at the Compton PAX station. I’m told by LASD that both were shot in the head by a male who got off a bus, then fled. Both hospitalized, Sheriff Villanueva at hospital now. @FOXLA
— Bill Melugin (@BillFOXLA) September 13, 2020
“This is just a somber reminder: It’s a dangerous job,” said Villanueva during the press conference. “Actions — words — have consequences, and our job does not get any easier because people don’t like law enforcement.”
Villanueva continued by saying two deputies, both of whom joined the force only 14 months ago, had been “ambushed” in a “cowardly fashion” while in their vehicle.
“The two deputies were doing their job, minding their own business, watching out for the safety of the people on the train, and seeing somebody just walk up and just start shooting on them — it pisses me off, it dismays me at the same time,” he said later in the press conference. “There’s no pretty way to say it.”
After LASD posted an edited-down version of the shooting, President Donald Trump took to Twitter, tweeting: “Animals that must be hit hard!”
Animals that must be hit hard! https://t.co/zrOd9ZUl8o
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 13, 2020
Villanueva stated that the two deputies had been shot a number of times and were transported to a local hospital by other deputies after radioing for help. He also confirmed that the deputies were responsive when they arrived at the hospital but declined to elaborate on the specifics of the wounds or where they had been shot.
Fox News Los Angeles reporter Bill Melugin said that the full video of the incident—which has not yet been released—shows the suspect creeping up toward the vehicle before he shoots at the deputies. The full video also reveals one of the deputies falling out of the vehicle and stumbling after the shooter flees, Melugin noted.
I have just been sent surveillance video of the shooting and can confirm it is 100% an ambush. Man slowly creeps up to the vehicle like he’s stalking it, fires shots through the window, then flees the scene. I will not post any of the video until given approval to do so. @FOXLA
— Bill Melugin (@BillFOXLA) September 13, 2020
Los Angeles Police Chief Michel Moore released a statement following the attack, saying: “Tonight we pray for these two guardians to survive. I recognize and acknowledge we live in troubled times. But we must as a community work thru our differences while loudly and resoundly condemn violence. Blessed are the Peacemakers.”
Tonight we pray for these two guardians to survive. I recognize and acknowledge we live in troubled times. But we must as a community work thru our differences while loudly and resoundly condemn violence. Blessed are the Peacemakers. https://t.co/BKMG4xHNOF
— Chief Michel Moore (@LAPDChiefMoore) September 13, 2020
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti (D) also released a statement, saying: “Sending prayers of healing to the @LASDHQ deputies shot in a horrific attack near the Blue Line in the City of Compton. Deputies across the county bravely work to keep our communities and Metro riders safe. We strongly condemn this cowardly ambush & stand prepared to offer aid.”
Sending prayers of healing to the @LASDHQ deputies shot in a horrific attack near the Blue Line in the City of Compton.
Deputies across the county bravely work to keep our communities and Metro riders safe.
We strongly condemn this cowardly ambush & stand prepared to offer aid.
— MayorOfLA (@MayorOfLA) September 13, 2020
Candace Owens took to Twitter Sunday morning, tweeting: “Why does this happen? Because pea-brained celebrities that are idolized like @KingJames tell young black men that they are “literally being hunted”. This is the natural result of such hyperbolic, dishonest rhetoric. The racist, anti-police, black lives matter LIE is to blame.”
Why does this happen? Because pea-brained celebrities that are idolized like @KingJames tell young black men that they are “literally being hunted”. This is the natural result of such hyperbolic, dishonest rhetoric.
The racist, anti-police, black lives matter LIE is to blame. https://t.co/9U4c1kJgMv
— Candace Owens (@RealCandaceO) September 13, 2020