An individual wielding an AR-15 style assault rifle opened fire on three patrol vehicles from the Monroe County Sheriff's Office on Thursday night in Marathon, leaving no injuries among officers or civilians. The assailant later took his own life, authorities reported on Facebook.
The incident occurred around 10:00 p.m. at an apartment complex on Sombrero Boulevard. Law enforcement had been dispatched following reports of a man hurling objects from the building's rooftop. As the officers arrived, they were met with gunshots. Fortunately, they had already exited their vehicles when the gunman targeted the patrol cars.
After the gunfire, a security perimeter was quickly established, and an emergency operation was launched. The response included the SWAT team, Florida Highway Patrol officers, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Nearby streets were cordoned off to ensure residents' safety.
Two helicopters from the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office were deployed to assist, one carrying a sniper. Aerial surveillance located the suspect, motionless on the rooftop. Minutes later, the SWAT team confirmed the man had died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
As of early Friday, authorities were still working to confirm the identity of the shooter, and the motive behind the attack remains under investigation. Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay expressed his relief that there were no casualties among officers or the public.
"I am relieved that no law enforcement officers or members of the public were harmed during this incident," Sheriff Ramsay stated. "I am grateful to the courageous officers who responded and ran toward the danger to protect our community."
Key Details About the Florida Keys Shooting Incident
What weapon was used in the Florida Keys shooting?
The shooter used an AR-15 style assault rifle during the attack on the Monroe County Sheriff's Office patrols.
Were there any injuries reported in the shooting incident?
No injuries were reported among the officers or civilians during this incident.
How did the authorities respond to the situation?
Authorities established a security perimeter and launched an emergency operation involving the SWAT team, Florida Highway Patrol, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.