One of two federal officers shot on Friday night outside a courthouse in Oakland, California, has died from his injuries, according to the FBI. While the shooting occurred amid nearby protests over the recent death of George Floyd, authorities say it's not immediately clear the shootings are connected to the riots.
Two officers with the Federal Protective Service, tasked with providing law enforcement services at federal government facilities, were shot around 9:45 p.m. local time outside the Ronald V. Dellums Federal Building in downtown Oakland. Authorities say a car pulled up to the federal courthouse and a person inside the vehicle started firing at security officers.
The second officer also suffered injuries, but the condition of the second officer wasn't clear. The identities of the two officers have not been released.
Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) released a statement on Saturday in response to the shooting.
“Last night’s shooting of two security guards in Oakland again showed what an inflammatory and difficult period we’re in. We have to know right from wrong and not use the terrible tragedy in Minneapolis to perpetuate more violence. There’s never an excuse to shoot and kill a security guard, destroy businesses or injure innocent people. Every effort must be taken to apprehend and prosecute those who use deadly violence. People must have the right to peacefully and safely protest in Oakland and across the country."
On Friday night, rioters in Oakland hurled projectiles at police, set fires, and looted businesses in response to the recent death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. The violence comes after Oakland Police Department Interim Chief Susan Manheimer reassured residents that fires and looting seen in other parts of the country would not happen in Oakland.