Two FBI agencies were fatally shot and three were injured while serving a warrant in South Florida on Tuesday, prompting a major response to law enforcement. The subject of the warrant was also killed in the incident.
The FBI said agents issued a warrant at a Sunrise residence at 6 a.m. as part of a case involving violent crimes against children. Two of the wounded agents were transported to a local hospital and listed in a stable condition. The third injured agent did not require hospitalization.
The two agents killed were later identified as Special Agent Daniel Alfin and Special Agent Laura Schwartzenberger.
“FBI agents specialize every day in their damage to keep the American people safe,” FBI Director Chris Wray said in a statement. “Special Agent Alfin and Special Agent Schwartzenberger are today heroic in defending their country. The FBI will always honor their ultimate sacrifice and be forever grateful for their bravery.”
The fallen specialist specialists were saluted when their bodies were escorted to the medical examiner. Both agents were known for their fight against crimes against children. Schwartzenberger went to local news channels and visited schools to warn the youngest and most vulnerable to become victims.
Joe Raedle / Getty
The FBI’s Division of Inspection is investigating the incident. “The review process is thorough and objective and is carried out as quickly as possible under the circumstances,” the agency said.
The shooting is a painful reminder of another deadly day for the FBI in South Florida: the April 1986 shooting that killed two agents, just 30 kilometers from Tuesday’s crime scene.
This morning, residents received a mobile alert warning them to stay indoors. A second says there is “no danger to the public” as he warns them of an ongoing police presence for the rest of the day, CBS Miami reports.
Several law enforcement agencies were at the scene in the residential community, including K-9 units, SWAT teams and fire rescuers. Local police are asking residents to keep the area away while the investigation takes place.
Manuel Bojorquez and Pat Milton reported.