Governor: 2 Police Officers Die After Hawaii Shooting

Published: 1/19/2020, 6:22:52 PM EST
Governor: 2 Police Officers Die After Hawaii Shooting
Police surround a house where a shooting suspect is believed to be in Honolulu, Hawaii, on Jan. 19, 2020. (Jamm Aquino/Honolulu Star Advertiser via AP)

HONOLULU—Hawaii's governor says two police officers have died after a shooting in Honolulu on Sunday.

The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reports that officers had responded to an assault call when they encountered a male with a firearm, who then opened fire, striking two officers.

"We grieve with HPD and other first-responders who put their lives on the line to keep us safe,” said Councilmember Kymberly Marcos Pine.

Honolulu police spokeswoman Michelle Yu did not confirm the death but said more than one officer was taken to the hospital in critical condition.

Honolulu police take up defensive positions with their weapons after a shooting and domestic incident at a residence on Hibiscus Road near Diamond Head in Honolulu, Hawaii, on Jan. 19, 2020. (Jamm Aquino/Honolulu Star-Advertiser)
Honolulu police take up defensive positions with their weapons after a shooting and domestic incident at a residence on Hibiscus Road near Diamond Head in Honolulu, Hawaii, on Jan. 19, 2020. Jamm Aquino/Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Cedric Yamanaka, a spokesman for The Queen's Medical Center, declined to provide any information about the victims, deferring to the Honolulu Police Department.

The neighborhood where the shooting occurred is at the far end of the Waikiki Beach between the Honolulu Zoo and the famed Diamond Head State Monument. The area would be packed with tourists and locals, especially on a weekend.

“It sounded like a slot of shots, or a lot of popping, loud noises going on,” said Honolulu resident Peter Murray. “So hope everybody is all right. Some people got hurt today.”

Honolulu police carry an injured fellow officer after a shooting and domestic incident at a residence on Hibiscus Road near Diamond Head in Honolulu, Hawaii, on Jan. 19, 2020. (Jamm Aquino/Honolulu Star-Advertiser).
Honolulu police carry an injured fellow officer after a shooting and domestic incident at a residence on Hibiscus Road near Diamond Head in Honolulu, Hawaii, on Jan. 19, 2020. (Jamm Aquino/Honolulu Star-Advertiser).

A home the suspected gunman was believed to be inside caught fire and was quickly engulfed by flames. The fire at the home has since spread to two neighboring homes and a parked police vehicle.

The Honolulu Fire Department was battling the blazes.

Honolulu police watch a house fire after a shooting and domestic incident at a residence on Hibiscus Road near Diamond Head in Honolulu, Hawaii, on Jan. 19, 2020. (Jamm Aquino/Honolulu Star-Advertiser).
Honolulu police watch a house fire after a shooting and domestic incident at a residence on Hibiscus Road near Diamond Head in Honolulu, Hawaii, on Jan. 19, 2020. (Jamm Aquino/Honolulu Star-Advertiser).

No arrests have been made.

Police have closed several streets nearby. The public has been asked to avoid the area.

By Caleb Jones