Five FBI agents were shot and two of them were killed in while serving a child exploitation warrant in Sunrise, Florida, according to the FBI director.
In a statement, FBI Director Chris Wray named the deceased agents as Special Agents Laura Schwartzenberger, 43, and Daniel Alfin, 36. (You can read more about Schwartzenberger here.)
He said they were “shot and killed this morning in the line of duty while executing a federal court-ordered search warrant in a crimes against children investigation in Sunrise, Florida.”
TwitterLaura Schwartzenberger
Wray said five FBI agents were shot in the incident at an apartment complex, but the other three wounded agents are expected to survive.
There were initially conflicting reports about how many agents were killed as the early morning shootings unfolded on February 2, 2021. The FBI later confirmed that two agents died, three were shot, and the suspect is also dead.
Wray said that three other agents were also shot and wounded; two suffered injuries requiring hospital care but they are both now in stable condition. The third agent did not require hospitalization.
Here’s what you need to know:
The Agents Were Serving a Child Exploitation Warrant
*Alert*
There is currently heavy police presence in the area of 4200 Nob Hill Rd. Nob Hill Rd is closed from NW 44th St to West Oakland Park Blvd in both directions.
Please use an alternate route.
Wray said Schwartzenberger and Alfin were killed in the line of duty, saying they “put themselves in harm’s way to keep the American people safe.”
Wray continued: “Special Agent Alfin and Special Agent Schwartzenberger exemplified heroism today in defense of their country. The FBI will always honor their ultimate sacrifice and will be forever grateful for their bravery.”
He added, “We continue to stand by our FBI Family, and the families of these Special Agents, in the days to come, bringing every resource we can to get through this together.”
Serving a warrant can be dangerous business, and that’s what the FBI agents were doing in this case – serving a warrant for child exploitation, according to FOX46.
The suspect “was wanted for violent crimes against children,” NBC Miami reported. The suspect’s name was not yet released.
The Sunrise, Florida, Police Department tweeted, “There is currently heavy police presence in the area of 4200 Nob Hill Rd. Nob Hill Rd is closed from NW 44th St to West Oakland Park Blvd in both directions. Please use an alternate route.”
They added, “The scene is safe but due to the ongoing investigation, affected neighborhoods in the area of Water Terrace on Nob Hill Road are still asked to remain at their homes until we are able to open Nob Hill Rd for travel. Thank you for your patience as understanding.”
Earlier, they tweeted, “8:40am: We ask that residents in the community, Water Terrace remain in their homes. Law Enforcement still has the entrances blocked at this time. Thank you for your patience.”
The Shootings Took Place at an Upscale Apartment Complex
2 FBI agents shot, killed while serving warrant in South Florida, reports say t.co/ZPk1Eep7om
According to CNN, the shootings took place at the Water Terrace apartment complex at 6:04 a.m.
Sunrise, Florida, is located near Fort Lauderdale.
The apartment complex website describes it as fairly upscale, featuring a resort-style pool and spa and other amenities.
This story is being updated as more information is known about the FBI agents. Authorities have not provided many official details at this stage.
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