A Jefferson County Sheriff’s deputy was killed in what officials believe was a targeted attack. WLKY reported Sheriff’s Deputy Brandon Shirley was “targeted and ambushed” while working an off-duty security guard shift at a used car lot.
Shirley was reportedly shot in his car around 2:30 am at the Rockford Lane Auto Sales in Shively, Kentucky. The deputy was taken to the University of Louisville Hospital and underwent emergency surgery but did not survive.
Louisville Metro Police Chief Erika Shields stated, “he was targeted, and he was ambushed. It is just sickening. We will make an arrest,” she continued, “for police, if someone is really determined to kill you, they’re going to kill you. And that was the case here.”
She also said that while there are several potential suspects, she could not speak further to the investigation, and the department is playing the case “close to the vest.”
Shirley was just 26 years old and joined the Sheriff’s Department in March of 2019, working at the courthouse. He graduated from the police academy in December 2019. Shirley was also awarded a Medal of Valor for assisting in a fatal shooting at Jefferson Square Park last year.
Louisville metro councilman David James, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, and Senator Rand Paul took to Twitter to offer condolences to Shirley’s family and the Sheriff’s Department.
Britainy and I extend our thoughts and prayers to the family of Deputy Brandon Shirley, and to the brave members of the Jefferson Co. Sherriff’s Department. We are forever grateful for Deputy Shirley’s bravery, selflessness and dedication to the people of the commonwealth. ^AB
— Governor Andy Beshear (@GovAndyBeshear) August 5, 2021
I call on those who direct hatred and anger toward our police to realize there will be consequences to words and actions when directed against law enforcement.
— Senator Rand Paul (@RandPaul) August 5, 2021
#JCSOKY My deepest sympathies to
Sheriff John Aubrey , and the Jefferson Co. Sheriff's Office on the death of Deputy Brandon Shirley. Please lift Deputy Shirley’s family up in prayers. His life was taken in a senseless act this morning. Thank our Law Enforcment Officers. pic.twitter.com/nOciojS7y3— CM David James (@CouncilmanJames) August 5, 2021
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