A police officer responding to a report of a man with a gun in a North Carolina supermarket was fatally shot Monday. Authorities said a suspect was later taken into custody.
Police announced the officer's death at a news conference, saying the officer was responding to a call about an armed person when he was shot before midday at a Food Lion store in Greensboro.
Authorities said the circumstances of the shooting remain under investigation and did not immediately release further details.
The governor's office sent a "significant" number of state law enforcement officers to help aid in the emergency response, Gov. Roy Cooper said on X. A heavy police presence was spotted outside the grocery store in Greensboro, the News & Record reported.
The shooting was another reminder that state lawmakers should strengthen resources and improve safety for law enforcement officers, said Democrat state Sen. Michael Garrett, who represents part of Guilford County, where Greensboro is located.
"During what should be a time of joy and celebration, another brave officer has been shot in the line of duty. Another family's holiday season forever changed," Garrett said in a Facebook statement.