Who was Elijah Ming? Tributes roll in for Wyandotte County deputy shot, killed in KCK
The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) said that at about 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Ming had been called to the area of South 30th Street and Shawnee Drive for a civil standby.
Wyandotte County deputy killed in KCK shooting; suspect identified
According to investigators, a woman requested that a law enforcement officer accompany her as she moved out of her home because of safety concerns.
Ming and a Kansas City, Kansas, police officer responded to the scene. When they approached the front door, KBI said a man, later identified as 38-year-old Shawn Harris, began firing at the officers from inside the house.
The KCKPD officer was uninjured; however, Ming was struck by the gunfire. He was later taken to a hospital, where he died from his injuries.
Public Officials Offer Support and Unity
Since news broke of Ming's death, agencies in both Missouri and Kansas, as well as officials, have expressed their deepest condolences.
As of Sunday morning, well-wishes online extended as far west as Finney County, Kansas, about 375 miles from the Kansas City metro, and as far east as Johnson County, Missouri.
These well wishes included notable state and city-wide politicians, like Kansas Sen. Jerry Moran and Kansas City, Missouri, Mayor Quinton Lucas, who each shared a post online, expressing their deepest condolences and prayers for the fallen deputy and his family.
'It's a sad day for the Wyandotte County Sheriff Department as they mourn the loss of one of their finest – Deputy Elijah Ming – who was killed in the line of duty,' . 'My prayers are with his family and loved ones as they mourn this loss and for the safety of all our brave law enforcement men and women.'
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In addition, Mayor Lucas shared a statement and a tribute to both his personal and professional profiles online.
, 'Wyandotte County Deputy Elijah Ming is a good man from a good family who should have been able to get home to see them tonight. His loss is senseless in every way.'
On his personal account, he added, 'Wyandotte County Deputy Elijah Ming is a good man from a good family who should have been able to get home to see them tonight. His loss is senseless in every way. My condolences to all who loved him and served with him.'
Arguably, one of the more heartbreaking statements came from the Wyandotte County Sheriff's Office. The Facebook post read:
'Thank you to all of the agencies who have sent condolences and who helped us today. We are grateful to have such a strong community around us. We kindly ask for prayers for Deputy Ming's family and the rest of the agency at this time.
Our agency will forever be grieving this loss. While it is especially raw, we will be grieving in silence, and our social media will reflect that for the time being.'
'A Loved Member of the Agency'
In addition to the sheriff's office statement, Sheriff Daniel Soptic, Kansas City, Kansas, Mayor Tyrone Garner, and KCKPD Chief Karl Oakman held a news conference following Ming's death.
While at the podium, they described the circumstances leading up to the shooting and the suspect, as well as Ming's history with the sheriff's office.
According to Soptic, Ming had served Wyandotte County for nine years and was a 'loved member of the agency.'
He added, 'Deputy Ming gave his life serving Wyandotte County and all of its residents. I would ask that everyone be respectful of Deputy Ming's family during this time and give them an opportunity to grieve privately.'
Following Soptic's statement, Mayor Garner added a few words of encouragement and sympathy to the community.
'To say that today has been the hardest day for me as the mayor of Kansas City, Kansas Unified Government is an understatement,' he said. 'This is truly a painful moment for Wyandotte County, and an extremely painful moment for our community.'
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'I want to encourage our law enforcement professionals to please know that no matter what you may hear, this community loves you. We sincerely appreciate you. We respect you, and we value your service to our great community. May God comfort the Ming family, our sheriff's department, and any and everyone who calls Kansas City, Kansas, but more importantly, Wyandotte County, home,' Mayor Garner concluded.
Lastly, Chief Oakman shared his condolences and prayers, adding that KCKPD will continue to offer its support to the sheriff's office, as well as the victim's family.
'We're here with you,' he said. 'The Kansas City, Kansas Police Department, as well as the Kansas City, Kansas Fire Department, will be there by [Sheriff Soptic's] side to offer whatever support that we can offer.'
Suspect Arrested following Standoff
Following the shooting, the suspect, Harris, barricaded himself inside the home for several hours. During the standoff, gunfire was exchanged between him and responding law enforcement agents, resulting in Harris being shot.
He eventually surrendered and was arrested before being taken to a hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.
At this time, there is no word on whether Harris has been charged or transferred to the Wyandotte County Detention Center.
Memorial and Funeral Arrangements
Additionally, neither the family nor law enforcement has released information about a future memorial, funeral or procession for Deputy Ming. However, FOX4 will share the latest details as they are released.
Stay tuned to FOX4 News for the latest updates and information.
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