The Heavy writes-
Gavin Long has been identified as the gunman who opened fire on police in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, killing at least three officers and wounding at least three others, MSNBC reports.
The gunman, who is from Kansas City, Missouri, and was born in 1987, was killed at the scene of the shooting, police said.
Few details are known about the gunman so far and this story will be updated as more information is made available. Here’s what we know so far about him and the shooting:
1. The Gunman, Wearing Black With His Face Covered, Began Shooting ‘Indiscriminately’ as Officers Responded
An officer said a woman reported a man walking with an assault rifle in the area of the B-Quik gas station on Airline Highway. The woman told the officer the man was wearing a coat and walking behind the store, according to the scanner audio.
Seconds later, an officer yells “Shots fired, officer down! Shots fired, officer down!”
Police said the shooter was not in sight and was possibly a “sniper.”
2. Police Do Not Believe There Are Any Other Suspects
Police believe the gunman who shot and killed the officers was killed at the scene during the gun fight. State Police Colonel Mike Edmondson said there is no active shooter situation ongoing.
But police asked anyone with information or anyone who sees something suspicious to contact them.
Airline Highway has been closed in both directions between Goodwood Boulevard and Interstate 12, WAFB-TV reports.
Police said the situation is “contained,” but are asking for people to avoid the area, WAFB-TV reports.
3. The Governor Called the Shooting an ‘Unspeakable & Unjustified Attack’
Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards called the attack an “unspeakable and unjustified attack.”
Mayor-President Kip Holden called the shooting an “ambush” and asked for prayers for the wounded officers.
Dallas Police Chief David Brown shared a message of support on Twitter.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Baton Rouge Police. @BRPD#PrayforBatonRouge
4. The Shooting Comes After Several Days of Protests Over the Fatal Police Shooting of Alton Sterling
The shooting comes after several days of protests over the death of Alton Sterling, who was fatally shot by police on July 5. Video of the shooting recorded by a witness was shared on social media.
The investigation into the shooting is ongoing.
The large protests have led to hundreds of arrests in Baton Rouge.
5. Police Arrested Multiple People They Say Had Been Plotting to Kill Officers in Baton Rouge Last Week
Baton Rouge Chief of Police Carl Dabadie speaks during a press conference at the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness on July 10, 2016 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Getty)
Baton Rouge Police announced last week that they had arrested multiple people involved in a burglary of a pawn shop tied to a threat against police officers, The Advocate reports.
Four burglars broke into a pawn shop and stole eight handguns. One suspect told police they were looking for bullets to kill officers, police said.
Police arrested four people, including a 12-year-old boy, in the case.
Just days before those arrests were announced, a gunman, Micah Xavier Johnson, opened fire on police in Dallas, Texas, killing five police officers and wounding nine others, along with two civilians. Johnson was killed during a standoff with police. He told negotiators he was upset about recent police shootings and was targeting officers.