ORLANDO, Fla. — The Central Florida community is offering support after two police officers were shot during a traffic stop in downtown Orlando.
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Orlando Police Chief Eric Smith said just before 11 p.m. Friday, officers stopped a car near West Washington Street and North Garland Avenue that was wanted in connection with a homicide in Miami.
Orlando police Chief Eric Smith said a suspect shot two officers and carjacked another driver before fleeing the scene.
LIVE UPDATES: Orlando officers ‘fighting for their lives’ after being shot, suspects still at large
Central Florida law enforcement agencies and officials shared their support following the news. Read their reactions below:
Gov. Ron DeSantis
“Casey DeSantis and I are praying for the officers, their families and the entire Orlando Police Department. Our brave men and women in law enforcement put their lives on the line every day to serve and protect.
The perpetrator must face harsh justice.”
Ocoee Police
Today, we stand in the gap for the injured officers, their families, their Orlando Police family, and the community they serve. Criminals will not win as the work of those willing to sacrifice their life in service endures forever. pic.twitter.com/nSw7gygX0u
— Ocoee Police (@OcoeePD) August 5, 2023
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd
Praying 🙏🏼 https://t.co/lRkGJlBqP2
— Polk County Sheriff 🚔 Grady Judd (@PolkCoSheriff) August 5, 2023
Melbourne Police
From all of us at the Melbourne Police Department, we pray for the recovery of the two @OrlandoPolice Department Officers who were shot in the line of duty Friday evening. Our thoughts are with their families, friends, and the entire OPD family. pic.twitter.com/VryekkAVC8
— Melbourne Police (@MelbournePolice) August 5, 2023
Flagler Beach Police
🇺🇸 ~ Sending heartfelt thoughts & prayers to the 2 injured Officers from @OrlandoPolice and to all at OPD. 🙏💙🙏 pic.twitter.com/6t6yBcJGNU
— Flagler Beach Police (@FBPD) August 5, 2023
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer
Our police officers put their lives on the line every day to keep our community safe. Last night two @OrlandoPolice officers were shot during a proactive stop doing just that. I visited the officers and their families this morning and shared our community’s support with them.
— Mayor Buddy Dyer (@orlandomayor) August 5, 2023
UCF Police Department
Our hearts are with the two @OrlandoPolice officers who were critically injured in the line of duty last night. We are thinking of their colleagues and loved ones 💙 https://t.co/J1iQHauGTt
— UCF Police Department (@UCFPolice) August 5, 2023
St. Cloud Police Department
Hoping those responsible are brought to justice. We stand with our brothers and sisters at @OrlandoPolice https://t.co/YEMpKjhMI0
— St. Cloud Police Dept (@StCloudPD) August 5, 2023
Read: Law enforcement responds to Apopka apartment complex after 2 officers shot in Orlando
Ocala Police Department
Our hearts go out to our brothers and sisters in the Orlando Police Department. Our thoughts and prayers are with the two officers who were critically wounded, their families, and everyone at the Orlando PD. https://t.co/iMSAfiJMIp
— Ocala Police (@ocalapd) August 5, 2023
Titusville Police Department
On behalf of the 160 members of the Titusville Police Department, we are praying for the recovery of the 2 Orlando Police Officers shot in the line of duty, their families, & their Orlando Police Depart. family. You have the love & support of the entire Law Enforcement profession pic.twitter.com/0dov5lWJDd
— Titusville Police FL (@TitusvillePD) August 5, 2023
Seminole County Sheriff’s Office
Our hearts go out to the Orlando Police Department as they deal with the aftermath of two officers being shot overnight. We stand with them in solidarity, praying for the swift recovery of the officers involved. These brave officers put their lives on the line every day, and we…
— Seminole County S.O. (@SeminoleSO) August 5, 2023
Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood
In a Facebook post, Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood said he sends his support to the Orlando Police Department to bring justice to the community.
Read his statement here:
Two Orlando police officers were shot and critically injured overnight. Two suspects are still at large. On behalf of the entire Volusia Sheriff’s Office I want to send all our support and prayers to these officers, their families, the Orlando Police Department and the whole community. I also want to echo the message Chief Smith delivered to the shooters: “We will find you, and you will be brought to justice.”
Representative Anna Eskamani
Oviedo Police Department
Our thoughts are with our brothers and sisters at @OrlandoPolice as they deal with a difficult situation. We hope your officers make a speedy recovery. Stay Strong.
— OviedoPolice (@OviedoPD) August 5, 2023
Orange County Sheriff John Mina
Sending prayers for these two officers and our partners at @OrlandoPolice We will help bring the suspects to justice. https://t.co/GpBJ5sEbWu
— Sheriff John Mina (@SheriffMina) August 5, 2023
Daytona Beach Police Chief Jakari Young
Prayers up for the two @OrlandoPolice officers that were shot and critically injured in Downtown. I pledge my full support and resources to @OrlandoPolice in pursuit of the suspects!
— Chief Jakari Young (@ChiefJakari) August 5, 2023
Orange County Sheriff’s Office
We are pulling for the injured officers and standing shoulder to shoulder with our OPD partners tonight, doing everything we can to bring these suspects to justice. Please join us in praying for the officers’ recovery. https://t.co/ocEDWEktFD
— Orange County Sheriff's Office (@OrangeCoSheriff) August 5, 2023
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