Two bailiffs were killed Monday afternoon in a Michigan courthouse, along with a third man who was reported to have been the shooter, according to the Detroit Free Press.
The unidentified gunman opened fire as he was allegedly being taken to jail at the Berrien County Courthouse in downtown St. Joseph, about 25 miles south of South Haven in southwestern Michigan. He lunged for a deputy and took his gun, using it to first attack the nearby bailiffs, media reported.
One person — a deputy — was injured, according to a courthouse employee, who requested anonymity. Buildings in the area were immediately placed on lockdown, as were all government agencies.
State Police secured the scene, according to Michigan Governor Rick Snyder.
Berrien County Commissioner Jeanette Leahey told reporters as she awaited more information, “We’re in a difficult time in the world. We all know that. It’s unfortunate that it’s coming close to home…I’m discouraged and disgusted.”
The shooting took place less than a week after a U.S. veteran used his military skills to murder five police officers and wound seven others in Dallas, Texas after having stockpiled a military-grade arsenal at home, according to Dallas Police Chief David Brown.
The sniper targeted police officers as they were securing protests taking place in Dallas simultaneously with others across the United States led by the “Black Lives Matter” grassroots organizations, and other similar groups.