Related videos:
A man armed with an AR-15 assault rifle opened fire on three patrol cars from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday night in Marathon, injuring neither the officers nor civilians.
Later, the attacker took their own life, authorities reported on Facebook.
The incident occurred around 10:00 p.m. at an apartment complex located on Sombrero Boulevard, after authorities responded to a call about a man throwing objects from the building's roof.
As they approached the location, the agents heard gunfire. Fortunately, they had already moved away from their vehicles when the shooter began firing at the patrols.
After the shots, a security perimeter was established and an emergency operation was activated involving the SWAT team and officers from the Florida Highway Patrol, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, as well as the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
The nearby streets were blocked off to protect the residents.
Two helicopters from the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office joined the operation, one of them transporting a sniper, the post details. From the air, the suspect was detected motionless on the roof of the building. Minutes later, the SWAT team confirmed that the man had died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Until the early hours of Friday, authorities were still working to confirm the identity of the attacker, whose motive also remains under investigation.
"I am relieved that no agents or members of the public were injured during this incident," stated the county sheriff, Rick Ramsay.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Shooting in the Florida Keys
What happened in the shooting in the Florida Keys?
A man armed with an AR-15 assault rifle opened fire on sheriff's patrols in Marathon, Florida. Fortunately, there were no injuries among the officers or civilians, and the attacker subsequently took his own life.
How did the authorities respond to the shooting in Marathon?
The authorities established a security perimeter and activated an emergency operation that included the SWAT team and several local and federal law enforcement agencies. Two helicopters from the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office also participated in the operation.
What was the outcome for the attacker in the Florida Keys incident?
The attacker was found motionless on the roof of the building, and it was later confirmed that he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Authorities continue to investigate to confirm his identity and motivations.
How has the Monroe County sheriff responded to the shooting?
The sheriff Rick Ramsay expressed his relief that there were no victims among the officers or citizens. He thanked the brave officers who responded to the incident and ran towards danger to protect the community.
Filed under: