Gainesville Mayor Zack Thompson says the fatal shooting during a standoff in the city early Friday was a “powerful reminder of the courage it takes to serve.”
Thompson in a Facebook post later Friday said “We are lifting up all of the responders involved in last night’s incident in our prayers and stand in full support of each of them and their families. We are especially grateful our injured officer is in stable condition.
“Last night is a powerful reminder of the courage it takes to serve. We are deeply thankful for our Gainesville Police Department and the many assisting agencies who responded with strength, professionalism, and unity in a very dangerous situation.
“We love and support our GPD family, and we stand firmly beside you. Gainesville is a strong, caring community, and in moments like this, we come together, lift each other up, and lean on one another.”
The six-hour standoff and resulting shoot-out left one Gainesville police officer wounded, but not seriously, and the shooter dead.