Two FBI agents were shot dead and three were injured while carrying out an order in South Florida on Tuesday, prompting a massive response from law enforcement, the agency said. The subject of the order also died in the incident.
The FBI said officers were issuing a search warrant at a residence in Sunrise at 6 a.m. as part of a case related to violent crimes against children. Two of the injured officers were taken to a local hospital and included on a stable list. The third injured officer did not need hospitalization.
The two murdered agents were later identified as Special Agent Daniel Alfin and Special Agent Laura Schwartzenberger.
“Every day, FBI special agents are put in danger to maintain the safety of the American people,” FBI Director Chris Wray said in a statement. “Special Agent Alfin and Special Agent Schwartzenberger have exemplified heroism today in defense of their country. The FBI will always honor their final sacrifice and will forever appreciate their courage.”
The fallen special agents were greeted while their bodies were escorted to the medical examiner. Both officers were well known for their work in the fight against crimes against children. Schwartzenberger had visited local news channels and visited schools to warn the youngest and most vulnerable not to become victims.
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The FBI’s inspection division is investigating the incident. “The review process is thorough and objective and is carried out as quickly as possible in the circumstances,” the agency said.
The shooting is a painful memory of another deadly day for the FBI in South Florida: the April 1986 shooting that left two officers dead, just 30 miles from Tuesday’s crime scene.
This morning, residents received a cell phone alert to warn them to stay inside. A second said there was “no danger to the public,” while alerting them to continued police presence the rest of the day, CBS Miami reported.
Several police agencies were at the scene in the residential community, including K-9 units, SWAT equipment and fire rescue officers. Local police are urging residents to stay away from the area while the investigation unfolds.
Manuel Bojorquez and Pat Milton helped report.