SUNRISE, Florida (AP) – Several FBI agents were shot Tuesday morning while serving a warrant in a case of child exploitation in South Florida, authorities said. The suspect appeared to be in a unit of an apartment complex, surrounded by law enforcement.
A law enforcement official told The Associated Press that several FBI agents were shot while serving the warrant and that the extent of their injuries was not immediately known. The official could not publicly discuss an ongoing investigation and spoke with the PA on condition of anonymity.
Acting Attorney General Monty Wilkinson was briefed on the shooting and closely monitored the situation on Tuesday, a Justice Department spokesman said.
The shootings broke out with about four gunshots at about 6 a.m., said Julius McLymont, whose house adjoins the Water Terrace apartment complex.
“Boom boom boom boom,” he said.
He thought it was a backward car, but about two minutes later he heard another blow of about five blows. He went outside and looked over the fence as police cars and ambulances rushed. Then he saw officers working on someone lying on the ground, who was then loaded into an ambulance.
Then a SWAT team appeared, with officers wearing riot gear. Then they walked around the building, shouting, “Go, go, go.”
McLymont said he could not see the apartment where the shooting took place at his location.
Authorities did not immediately release any information about the suspect, who was allegedly left inside the house, surrounded by officers.
Another large contingent of officers gathered in front of a hospital in Fort Lauderdale where victims were taken, according to the television video.
Sunrise Police Department posted on Twitter about the heavy police presence and the closure of surrounding roads.
The shootings took place in Water Terrace, a complex of houses with several units. A few hours later, Sunrise Police urged residents to stay inside and be patient while law enforcement blocked entrances to their community.
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Balsamo contributed from Washington. Frieda Frisaro contributed from Fort Lauderdale.