Marines call this type of combat - built up area fighting, which is some of the deadliest combat there is. Entry into or approaching a structure is an extremely high risk operation in the military and now it has become so for civilian law enforcement. It appears police are being set up with phony calls to enter or approach these kill zones. The LE approach to operating in these settings needs to be re-examined in light of the ‘war’ now being waged against our police by cowards. My prayers are offered up for the officers survival.
Very sad news.
Prayers out to families and friends of the officers...
HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) – The U.S. Marshals Service has identified a deputy marshal who was shot and killed while serving a warrant on a fugitive in Harrisburg early Thursday.
Christopher D. Hill, 45, was an 11-year veteran of the U.S. Marshals Service assigned to the Middle District of Pennsylvania. He was part of a Marshals Service task force executing a warrant for the arrest of Shayla Lynette Towles Pierce, who was wanted by the Harrisburg police on a terroristic threat charge, according to a news release.
The Marshals Service said the located Pierce in a home in the 1800 block of Mulberry Street. While executing the warrant, the team was fired upon by a man who was in the home with Pierce. Hill and two task force officers were struck by gunfire around 6:10 a.m.
Hill was transported to UPMC Pinnacle Harrisburg hospital where he died. The other officers were treated for non-life threatening injuries.
The man who fired on the officers was killed when officers returned fire. His name was not immediately released.
Pierce is in custody.
“We are all extremely saddened by the tragic death of our brother, Deputy U.S. Marshal Christopher Hill, this morning in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. He was a devoted public servant who dedicated his life to making his community and this nation safer. We will never forget his commitment and courage,” David J. Anderson, Acting Deputy Director of the U.S. Marshals Service, said in a statement. “The nation lost a hero today.”
Deputy Hill joined the Marshals Service in 2006 in Washington, D.C., and transferred to Harrisburg in 2009. He also served with the agency’s Special Operations Group. He was an Army veteran, having served from 1993-96. He is survived by his wife and two children.
The injured officers have not been identified. Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse said one is a Harrisburg police officer who was part of the task force. He said the officer “bravely returned fire and critically injured the gunman.”
York police said a city officer assigned to the task force was shot and taken to Penn State Hershey Medical Center for treatment of injuries that were reported as non-life threatening.
“No words can adequately express the sadness we feel at this moment as we contemplate the loss of yet another law enforcement officer in the line of duty,” Papenfuse said in a statement. “I extend my sincerest condolences to the family of the slain U.S. Marshal, to his colleagues and to all law enforcement officers who risk their lives each day to protect and to serve our city and our nation.”
Gov. Tom Wolf and U.S. Sens. Pat Toomey and Bob Casey offered their condolences in statements posted on Twitter.
“Frances and I saddened to hear this tragic news,” Wolf wrote. “Praying for the officers involved and their families. I am in constant contact with law enforcement, and grateful for their swift action.”
“My prayers go out to the family and friends of the deputy U.S. marshal killed this morning in Harrisburg,” Toomey posted. “Law enforcement officers face incredible dangers in keeping us safe. They should always have our support and gratitude.”
“My deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the U.S. Marshal who lost his life today in Harrisburg,” Casey said.
A news conference at the Ronald Reagan Federal Building was scheduled for 2 p.m.
Shooter ID’d.
http://www.wgal.com/article/police-on-scene-of-shooting-incident-in-harrisburg-thursday/15383945
Prayers for these officers and for their families too.