The FBI has launched an investigation after a deputy U.S. Marshal was shot and killed while serving an arrest warrant on a fugitive in Louisiana on Monday.
“FBI is investigating and offering full resources to the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office and our brave partners the @USMarshalsHQ after one of their deputies was tragically killed today while serving an arrest warrant in Alexandria, Louisiana,” FBI Director Kash
Patel wrote on X.“Suspect is in custody. Please pray for the deputy’s family and friends,” Patel added.
According to a
statement released by the Rapides Parish Sheriff's office, the officer-involved shooting happened at approximately 3 p.m. on July 13. Sheriff’s detectives and members of the U.S. Marshals Violent Offender Task Force were conducting an operation in the Rutland Road area to arrest a wanted fugitive at the time.
“After a lengthy standoff, the suspect, who sustained injuries, was taken into custody and transported to a local hospital for treatment,” the sheriff's office said.
The identities of both the suspect and the marshal have not been released to the public.
The U.S. Marshals Office said the deputy was
assigned to the Western District of Louisiana.
Louisiana Gov. Jeff
Landry wrote on X that he was “simply doing his job” when he was shot and killed.
Lousiana Attorney General Liz Murrill also issued a statement about the deadly shooting.
"It’s always a tragedy to lose a law enforcement officer who put his life on the line to protect his community. My prayers are with his family, his fellow Deputy U.S. Marshals, and everyone at @USMarshalsHQ mourning this heartbreaking loss," Murrill wrote in a
post on X. The U.S. Marshals Service serves a unique role in the federal justice system, supporting the federal courts, and serving in many federal law enforcement actions. Its
responsibilities include protecting federal judges, arresting federal fugitives, managing and selling property seized from criminals, transporting and housing federal prisoners, and running the Witness Security Program.
“Today, our hearts are incredibly heavy," U.S. Marshal Stephen Serrao wrote in a
statement. "The loss of this brave Deputy U.S. Marshal is a devastating reminder of the profound sacrifices made by the men and women of the Marshals Service every single day. These aren't just dedicated professionals; they are protectors who quietly step into harm's way so the rest of us can sleep peacefully. They carry a burden of courage that most will never fully understand.”
The shooting remains under investigation by the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office, the FBI, and the Louisiana State Police. Because the investigation into the officer-involved shooting is ongoing, officials said no additional information is being shared with the public at this time.
The FBI said it will provide any future updates on the investigation.
