Holly MatkinSelma, AL – Selma Police Department (SPD) Officer Marquis Moorer was murdered in the line of duty as he was stopping by his apartment for his meal break early Tuesday morning.
The 25-year-old officer was heading into his residence at the Selma Square Apartments between 3:30 a.m. and 4 a.m. when a gunman approached him and opened fire, Dallas County District Attorney Michael Jackson told The Birmingham News.
Jackson described the attack as an “ambush,” according to the Associated Press.
A woman at the apartment, identified only as Officer Moorer’s “significant other,” was also shot in the attack, Jackson said.
She was rushed to a local hospital in unknown condition.
The gunman was not in custody as of Tuesday morning.
No information about a potential suspect has been released.
The Alabama Bureau of Investigation is one of multiple law enforcement agencies working on the case, The Birmingham News reported.
Jackson described Officer Moorer as an “outstanding officer” who “took his job very seriously.”
Selma Mayor James Perkins said that he and Selma Police Chief Kenta Fulford met with the slain officer’s family earlier Tuesday morning.
“We had prayer and expressed our condolences to the family,’’ Perkins said.
He said Officer Moorer’s murder is a “tragic moment” for the city, The Birmingham News reported.
“I’m really saddened over the murder of Officer Moorer,” the mayor said.
“The Selma Police Department is devastated,” Chief Fulford said during a news conference, according to the Associated Press. “We’re asking the community for your prayers.”
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey has ordered flags be lowered to half-staff in honor of Officer Moorer as soon as a date for his memorial service is announced.
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall released a statement urging citizens to recognize the risks law enforcement officers face on a daily basis, WBMA reported.
“We must honor them and never take for granted the sacrifices they make on our behalf,” Marshall said. “I ask you to join me in prayerful gratitude for Officer Moorer as we hold his loved ones in our hearts.”
Early this morning, Officer Marquis Moorer was on duty with the Selma AL Police Department and had stopped by his home for a lunch break when he was shot and killed. #EndofWatch #Hero #EnoughIsEnough pic.twitter.com/VUPL3d5n45
— Blake Williams (@blwilliamsmedia) July 27, 2021
I extend my prayers for the family of Officer Marquis Moorer. A memo to lower the flag will be distributed to honor this hero as soon as his funeral is announced. @CityofSelma #alpolitics #BackTheBlue
— Governor Kay Ivey (@GovernorKayIvey) July 27, 2021
This morning, Officer Marquis Moorer of the Selma Police Department was killed by a gunman while on duty. Please pray for his family, friends, and fellow officers. #ThinBlueLine pic.twitter.com/3xqBjkmTxs
— Attorney General Steve Marshall (@AGSteveMarshall) July 27, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Selma Police Department Officer Marquis Moorer, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Officer Marquis Moorer, your life mattered.
