As many as seven police officers have been shot, three of them fatally, in Baton Rouge and a manhunt is underway.
According to multiple sources, the three Baton Rouge Police officers were shot around 9 am, though the gunman is still at large. SWAT has been deployed to the scene and roadways between Police Headquarters and I-12 are now closed.
CNN now reports the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office said one suspect has been killed and as many as two others could still be at large, though that information has yet to be confirmed.
Mayor Kip Holden told MSNBC officers responding to reports of a shooting at the B Quick store on Airline Highway were then ambushed by the suspect.
BRPD stated 3 Baton Rouge Officers Dead, Many Injured in Ambush
This is prob the work of Hillary’s Cop-Killing Group pic.twitter.com/2aJPkTSAXn— John Miller (@cyvault) July 17, 2016
Another source with knowledge of the investigation told CNN police received reports of “a suspicious person walking down Airline Highway with an assault rifle,” who then fired on responding officers.
WAFB-TV just aired this footage where shots can be heard being fired pic.twitter.com/lOwvd713jk
— Oliver Darcy (@oliverdarcy) July 17, 2016
Local journalist Gordy Rush says two police officers have been killed and a shooter is still active https://t.co/D9jFULB3qy
— Sky News (@SkyNews) July 17, 2016
VIDEO: Witness recorded the start of the #BatonRouge shooting pic.twitter.com/HVvAHQivjO
— Alison Arkin (@Cronikeys) July 17, 2016
“A witness told [local] WBRZ News 2, a man was dressed in black with his face covered shooting indiscriminately when he walked out between a convenience store and a car wash across from Hammond Air Plaza.”
According to WAFB, multiple agencies responded to the scene and “several” officers had been shot. A witness believes shooting began before officers arrived on the scene, and unconfirmed reports of an exchange of gunfire between several civilians have also been reported.
WFAB also noted an officer calling dispatch said, “unknown where shots are coming from.”
“This was not a come at police shooting,” the witness told WAFB. “There were men out here shooting each other before police ever got here.”
If the witness is correct, his explanation of the incident directly counters the war-on-police rhetoric which inundated social media following this shooting.
State Police SWAT now on scene pic.twitter.com/r3Eni4aODL
— Michael Vinsanau (@MVinsanau) July 17, 2016
Sgt. Don Coppola of the Baton Rouge Police said, “The scene seems to be contained right now. We’re asking everyone to stay out of the area.”
The gunman opened fire less than a mile from police headquarters, but details remain sketchy at this time.
“I do not have the extent of the injuries,” Coppola continued. “We’re hearing that it may also include some deputies [with the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office], but that’s preliminary information and I’m waiting on confirmation.”
“This is an unspeakable and unjustified attack on all of us at a time when we need unity and healing,” Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards said of the attack.
According to CNN, officers who weren’t fatally shot have been hospitalized and are in critical condition.
Multiple police ????….on Air Line Hwy. Right now. #BatonRouge pic.twitter.com/vhdR3N9r1H
— Biko Misabiko (@BikoTheGreat) July 17, 2016
Tensions between police and civilians have reached a fever pitch in recent days, following the police killing of Alton Sterling and the riot squad response to subsequent protests.
This report will be updated as information becomes available, to see updates, refresh your browser.
