SUNRISE, Florida (AP) – Several FBI agents were shot Tuesday morning while serving a court order in a child exploitation case in South Florida, authorities said. The suspect appeared to be contained within a unit of an apartment complex, surrounded by law enforcement.
A law enforcement official told The Associated Press that several FBI agents were shot while carrying out the order and that the extent of his injuries was not immediately known. The official was unable to publicly discuss an ongoing investigation and spoke with the PA on condition of anonymity.
Acting Attorney General Monty Wilkinson received information about the shooting and closely monitored the situation on Tuesday, a Justice Department spokesman said.
The shots exploded with about four shots around 6 a.m., said Julius McLymont, whose house borders the Water Terrace apartment complex.
“Boom boom boom boom,” he said.
He thought it was a reverse car, but after two minutes he heard another volley of about five shots. He went out into the street and looked over the fence as police cars and ambulances rushed in. He then saw officers working with someone lying on the ground, who was loaded into an ambulance.
Then a SWAT team appeared, with agents carrying riot gear. Then they walked around the building shouting “go go go.”
McLymont said he could not see the apartment where the shooting occurred from his location.
Authorities did not immediately disclose any information about the suspect, who reportedly stayed inside the home, surrounded by officers.
Another large contingent of officers gathered outside a Fort Lauderdale hospital where the victims were taken, according to a television video.
The Sunrise Police Department he tweeted about the strong police presence and the closure of surrounding roads.
The shooting occurred at Water Terrace, a complex of multi-unit homes. Hours later, Sunrise police urged residents to stay indoors and be patient while law enforcement blocked the entrances to their community.
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Balsam contributed from Washington. Frieda Frisaro contributed from Fort Lauderdale.