FLORENCE, SC (AP/FOX Carolina) - Florence County emergency officials said seven law enforcement officers were shot Wednesday evening and the suspect is in custody. The Florence County coroner said one of those officers has died.
The shootings took place in the Vintage Place community off of Hoffmeyer Road, officials said.
Deputy Chief Glenn Kirby said during a news conference that three Florence County deputies and four city officers were shot.
Florence County Coroner Keith von Lutcken said one of the injured city police officers has died.
Florence Mayor John Wukela said some of the other officers were "seriously" wounded but no officials conditions have been released.
A spokesman for the South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division said SLED crime scene technicians are headed to Florence and SLED is ready to assist further if needed.
Governor Henry McMaster tweeted about the shooting, calling for prayers for the officers:
"This is simply devastating news from Florence. The selfless acts of bravery from the men and women in law enforcement is real, just like the power of prayer is real. Peggy and I ask that you pray for them, pray for their recovery, pray for their families, and pray for all of Florence."
Sen. Tim Scott also tweeted that he was praying for the officers:
"Prayers with injured officers in Florence and their families."
SC Attorney General Alan Wilson also offering his thoughts and prayers on Twitter:
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the law enforcement community in Florence SC. @FlorenceSheriff and @scflorencecity we are with you!
The Charleston County Sheriff's Office has also confirmed they will be sending deputies to Florence to support FCSO operations.
We will be sending deputies out to Florence, SC to help with three law enforcement operations. #chsnews
ATF officers are also responding to the scene.
Later in the evening, President Trump offered his support for FCSO and FPD on Twitter.
Senator Lindsey Graham later expressed his own sentiments on the day's shooting.
As the evening went on, several law enforcement agencies and leaders offered their support.
The Anderson County Sheriff's Office posted to Facebook, saying "Our hearts are extremely heavy tonight as we learned of the unbelievable tragedy in Florence earlier this evening. We are prayerfully upholding our fellow law enforcement officers and their families with the Florence Police Department and the Florence County Sheriff's Office. Like other law enforcement agency in the State, we are standing ready to support our brothers and sister in any way they need us."
The Greenville County Sheriff's Office posted "Along with the entire State of South Carolina, please join us in offering your thoughts and prayers for all officers and deputies involved in the tragic incident that occurred in Florence County, SC this afternoon."
Don Reynolds, sheriff of Laurens County, joined the calls for prayers, saying "Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of our fallen brother in Florence County and for those injured in the senseless shooting that occurred this evening. Please join me in praying for these and all law enforcement as they put themselves in danger to provide safety and justice for others."
The Greenwood County Sheriff's Office also lent their prayers on Facebook, and the Union County Sheriff's Office page posted a graphic featuring the thin blue line.
Spartanburg PD also spoke out, saying "SPD extends our deepest condolences to our brothers and sisters in blue in Florence SC as they mourn the loss of their officer and pray for the recovery of the others injured."
SPD's post also quoted John 15:13 from the Bible, which says "Greater love has no one than this that he lay down his life for his friends."
The suspect is in custody, per officials.
This is a breaking news story. Stay with FOX Carolina for updates.
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Josh Cornett
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