Several police officers shot in southern Virginia incident, congressman says
Several police officers were allegedly shot Thursday during a standoff with a barricaded suspect.
The incident reportedly began near Gretna when officers were attempting to serve warrants at a home when things "went south," according to Virginia State Police.
Deputies came under fire, prompting a massive response from police, U.S. Marshals and emergency medical teams. A Centra helicopter was dispatched to the scene, and SWAT officers along with a police negotiator were called in.
Authorities were reportedly using a loudspeaker to communicate with the suspect from outside the home, asking them to come out. They have not released information on the officers' conditions or the suspect's identity, reports the Mirror US.
Residents were urged to avoid the area as the situation remained active late Thursday. Virginia Congressman John McGuire said on X that deputies had been shot, and extended his condolences.
He wrote: "My thoughts and prayers are with the deputies who were shot in Pittsylvania County, as well as their families. We are closely following the situation and keeping everyone affected in our hearts during this difficult time."
Officers from the Pittsylvania County Sheriff's Office, Campbell County Sheriff's Office, Amherst County Sheriff, Danville Police Department, Virginia State Troopers, Gretna Fire and Rescue and Hurt Fire Department were reportedly at the scene, with additional agencies arriving.
Virginia gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger said she was keeping the wounded officers in her prayers.
She said: "While we await more information, Adam and I are praying for the members of law enforcement who were shot while responding to an incident in Pittsylvania County. We're so grateful for our first responders, who run towards danger to keep Virginians safe."
The Mirror has contacted the Virginia State Police for additional information.
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