HollyMatkinHarrisburg, PA – A United States marshal was killed in the line of duty early Thursday morning, when a gunman opened fire on a group of federal agents who were serving an arrest warrant at a residence, the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) said.
Deputy Marshal Christopher David Hill, 45, was shot and killed in the attack. Two other officers were shot, according to the New York Daily News.
“[Hill] was a devoted public servant who dedicated his life to making his community and this nation safer,” USMS acting Deputy Director David Anderson said, according to CBS News. “We will never forget his commitment and courage. The nation lost a hero today.”
Marshal Hill was fatally shot just after 6:10 a.m., as the task force was apprehending fugitive Shayla Pierce, who was wanted for making terrorist threats, the New York Daily News reported.
Once Pierce was in custody, officers heard gunfire coming from the second floor of the residence, the York Daily Record reported.
An unnamed man then emerged from the residence and opened fire on the team, the USMS said, according to CBS News.
York City Police Department (YCPD) Officer Kyle Pitts, a 10-year veteran of the department, was also shot by the gunman, as was an unnamed Harrisburg Police Department (HPD) officer, the New York Daily news reported.
Both officers sustained non-life threatening injuries.
“A Harrisburg police officer, who was wounded, bravely returned fire and critically injured the gunman,” Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse said, according to WCAU.
The unnamed suspect was killed in the gunfight, WGAL reported.
According to the York Daily Record, there were also multiple children in the house when the shootout occurred, all of whom are currently safe.
“No words can adequately express the sadness we feel at this moment as we contemplate the loss of yet another law enforcement officer in the line of duty,” Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse said, according to CBS News. “I extend my sincerest condolences to the family of the slain U.S. Marshal, to his colleagues and to all law enforcement officers who risk their lives each day to protect and to serve our city and our nation.”
Marshal Hill, an 11-year-veteran of the USMS, was a married father of two, Marshal Martin Pane said during a Thursday press conference.
The Army veteran served his country from 1993 through 1996, and received the distinguished group award for significant contributions in Afghanistan, the York Daily Record reported.
Marshal Hill began his USMS career in Washington, D.C. in 2006, and worked at the U.S. Capitol before he transferred to Harrisburg in 2009.
He was also a member of the USMS Special Operations Group.
“He will be missed, and words cannot say how much,” Marshal Pane said.
“Christopher Hill died a hero today,” said U.S. Attorney for the Middle District Dave Freed. “We will honor his memory with his brothers and sisters in law enforcement. We will provide answers to Deputy Marshal Hill’s family.”
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of U.S. Marshal Christopher Hill, both blood and blue. Godspeed, we will take the watch from here. Thank you for your service.