Two Bailiffs, Gunman Dead in Shooting at Michigan Courthouse, Sheriff says

DEVELOPING: Two court bailiffs were killed and a police officer shot Monday inside a southwestern Michigan courthouse when an inmate broke loose and got his hands on a deputy’s gun, officials said.

“What occurred today in my hometown breaks my heart. My thoughts are with our entire community – our friends and neighbors. This tragic event reminds us all too well that our law enforcement officers have their lives on the line every day not knowing what that day will bring. We have lost two very able public servants and we all grieve for them and their families.”

Berrien County Sheriff Paul Bailey told local media at a press conference the gunman, whose identity was not immediately available, was killed by responding police.

“Brave officers” took down the shooter, Bailey said.

Berrien County Undersheriff Chuck Heit told Fox News a civilian was also shot, and is in stable condition.

The incident occurred just days after five Dallas police officers were killed by a sniper, and amid a wave of violence and threats against law eforcement officers around the country.

The gunfire erupted on the third floor of the Berrien County Courthouse in St. Joseph around 2:30 p.m., Fox 17 reported. Bailey said the deputy sheriff who was shot is in stable condition at Lakeland Hospital in St. Joseph, Mich. A post on the Berrien County Sheriff’s Facebook page said the officer was shot in left arm and finger.

A Berrien County Commissioner told WBND that a man who was on his way to jail took a gun off a deputy and started opening fire…(read more)

Source: Fox News