Two FBI agents were shot dead and three wounded while serving a warrant in South Florida on Tuesday, triggering a massive police response, the agency said. The warrant subject also died in the incident.
The FBI said agents were issuing a search warrant for a Sunrise residence at 6 am as part of a case involving violent crimes against children. Two of the injured officers were transported to a local hospital and listed in a stable condition. The third injured agent did not require hospitalization.
The two dead agents were later identified as Special Agent Daniel Alfin and Special Agent Laura Schwartzenberger.
“Every day, FBI special agents put themselves in danger to keep the American people safe,” said FBI director Chris Wray in a statement. “Special Agent Alfin and Special Agent Schwartzenberger exemplified heroism today in defense of their country. The FBI will always honor their final sacrifice and will be forever grateful for their bravery.”
The fallen special agents were greeted while their bodies were escorted to the coroner. The two agents were known for their work in combating crimes against children. Schwartzenberger accessed local news channels and visited schools to warn the youngest and most vulnerable not to become victims.
Joe Raedle / Getty
The FBI Inspection Division is investigating the incident. “The review process is complete and objective and conducted as quickly as possible under the circumstances,” said the agency.
The shooting is a painful reminder of another deadly day for the FBI in South Florida: the April 1986 shooting that left two agents dead, just 30 miles from Tuesday’s crime scene.
This morning, residents received a mobile alert alerting them to stay indoors. A second said “there was no danger to the public” while warning them of the continued police presence for the rest of the day, CBS Miami reported.
Several law enforcement agencies were on site in the residential community, including K-9 units, SWAT teams and rescue officers. Local police are asking residents to avoid the area while the investigation is underway.
Manuel Bojorquez and Pat Milton contributed to the report.