Three law enforcement officers are dead, three others wounded as shots rang out and through Baton Rouge once again, at another convenience store – this one, just blocks from Baton Rouge Police headquarters.
Louisiana State Police Commander Col. Mike Edmonson gave reporters the timeline.
“At approximately 8:40 a.m., a call came into Central Dispatch saying there was a guy carrying a rifle. At approximately 8:42 a.m., reports of shots fired,” Edmonson said. “8:44 a.m., reports received of officers down on the scene. At 8:45, more shots being fired. At 8:46 a.m., reports received that the suspect, standing next to a car wash located right next to the convenience store. Officers engaged the subject at that particular time, and he ultimately died at the scene.”
That subject has now been identified as 29-year-old Gavin Eugene Long, from Kansas City, Missouri.
“We do believe the person that shot and killed our officers, he was the person shot and killed on the scene,” Edmonson confirmed.
32-year old BRPD officer Montrell Jackson and 41-year-old officer Matthew Gerald were killed, with a third BRPD officer wounded.
Police Chief Carl Dabadie calls the shootings “senseless.”
A 45-year-old deputy was also killed, with two other deputies wounded.
“With God’s help, we will get through this,” stated East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff Sid Gautreaux.
Col. Edmonson is urging those with information to call 1-800-225-5324.
Governor John Bel Edwards wants the world to know, “The people who carried out this act do not represent the people of Baton Rouge or of the state of Louisiana.”
He also added a plea for reason to prevail, despite the emotions raised by this and the prior shooting of Alton Sterling.
“There simply is no place for more violence. It doesn’t address any injustice – perceived or real. It is just an injustice, in and of itself.”