GAINESVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT NEWS RELEASE:

“An officer’s uniform represents more than just the agency we work for; it represents our community, history, and family name. We felt firsthand overnight the value and true weight of that uniform beyond those meanings. In the midst of a call to serve our community, our officers were put in immediate danger and the uniform saved our officer’s life.

Chief Jay Parrish said, “Our community lost a life last night because of a senseless act of violence. We are grateful God protected the neighbors, family involved, and officers on scene. Our community and public safety family have been drastically affected by this traumatic incident and we ask that everyone come together to support those navigating through this.”

The deceased shooter has been identified as Dakota Levi Simmons (24 year old male) of Gainesville, GA.

“Our SWAT team’s goal is always to resolve situations safely, but when our SWAT operator and officers with the Gainesville Police Department were met with gunfire, they were forced to respond to a deadly threat,” Interim Hall County Sheriff Chris Matthews said. “In a matter of moments, they had to make a decision no one wants to make. While they are trained for these situations, it does not make them easier. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected. We are grateful for the teamwork among agencies, and most importantly, that Gainesville’s officers are physically OK.”

To see the press conference from this morning, click here: https://youtu.be/wk8AdN5gfOg

EARLIER STORY. POSTED 1:00 P.M. FRIDAY: UPDATE: Wounded GPD officer recovering, shooter ID’d