Alex Thomas
Two police officers were killed in a shooting on Saturday in Westerville, Ohio, – the hometown of Governor John Kasich. The murders occurred sometime around 11:30 a.m., according to 10TV.
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The officers were responding to a call, which was reportedly a 911 hang-up, in the town of Westerville when they were killed — the town confirmed their deaths in a tweet.
It is with a heavy heart we report a second Westerville officer has been killed in the line of duty. We will share more details here as it becomes available.
— City of Westerville (@tellwesterville) February 10, 2018
One officer was killed immediately while the other died from his wounds shortly after. A press conference was scheduled for 3:30 p.m. on Saturday but was postponed — authorities in Westerville are allegedly waiting to notify the next of kin before going public with the information.
2 Ohio police officers killed in Westerville, Ohio, shooting; @BryanLlenas reports. https://t.co/iKFvwJ44ee pic.twitter.com/DFuNhGNLqA
— Fox News (@FoxNews) February 10, 2018
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Fox 28 reports that the suspect was shot in the confrontation and that he was transported to a nearby hospital.
Kasich tweeted that he was “saddened” by the news and that he has spoken to city leaders about the officers’ deaths.
I am very saddened to learn of the deaths of two of my hometown police officers today. I have spoken with Westerville city leaders and pledged the full assistance of the Ohio Highway Patrol in any way they need. (1/2)
— John Kasich (@JohnKasich) February 10, 2018
We will learn more soon about this tragic incident but please join me in lifting up these officers' families in prayer. (2/2)
— John Kasich (@JohnKasich) February 10, 2018
President Trump, who has been an outspoken supporter of law enforcement, also tweeted about the tragedy, offering thoughts and prayers.
https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/962435602296786944
Police deaths dropped in 2017 and have been steadily decreasing since the ’70s. Last year, only 128 officers died in the line of duty, according to a USA Today report. In 2016, that number reached 143 — a sharp decline from its peak of 280 in ’74.
