Two Florida Deputies from Gilchrist County were shot through the window of the Ace China restaurant in Trenton today at around 3 p.m.. A man walked up to the window and opened fire at the unsuspecting officers while they were eating lunch. Both deputies died. When police arrived at the scene, they found that the suspect had walked back to his car and fatally shot himself.
Update from Blue Lives Matter:
“It was initially reported that the suspect shot the deputies through the restaurant window, but investigators now say that John Hubert Highnote walked into the Ace China restaurant and fatally shot both deputies from inside…
…Highnote, 59, was a resident of nearby Bell in Gilchrist County, who police said at Friday’s press conference had not had any prior interaction with the Gilchrist County Sheriff’s Office.”
Sergeant Noel Ramirez, a 7 year law enforcement veteran, and Deputy Taylor Lindsey were identified as the deceased officers.
“They were men of integrity. They were God-fearing, and they loved what they did. They gave their lives so we can all be safe. They just wanted to get something to eat. They just wanted to do their jobs.” Sheriff Bobby Shultz
Sgt Ramirez leaves behind a wife and small children. Deputy Lindsey had a girlfriend.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement will be conducting the investigation, so few details are available at this time. The motive is unknown.
Sergeant Noel Ramirez. Deputy Sheriff Taylor Lindsey.
Our heroes. Killed in the line of duty today, April 19th, at the Ace China in Trenton.
We’ll continue to serve you. For them.
— Gilchrist Co Sheriff (@GCSOFlorida) April 20, 2018
GILCHRIST COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE has suffered a terrible tragedy. Please avoid the area of SR 26 from the red light to the area of subway. No suspects are at large. Further updates will be posted later.
— Gilchrist Co Sheriff (@GCSOFlorida) April 19, 2018
My heart breaks with the tragic news of two Gilchrist County deputies that were senselessly killed today while in the line of duty. My deepest condolences and prayers are with their families as they mourn the devastating loss of their loved ones. https://t.co/8oFSbMIDRw
— Fla. AG Pam Bondi (@AGPamBondi) April 19, 2018
Shooter fires through restaurant window and kills two deputies in Trenton, Florida, authorities say. https://t.co/OU20kaEjD9 pic.twitter.com/D6E4ZJZEke
— CBS News (@CBSNews) April 19, 2018
Sheriff Bobby Schultz released this statement:
Obama is to blame for creating this war on cops. He painted all cops as bad with itchy trigger fingers, when in reality they are men and women who just want to go home to their families.
Americans grieve for the two officers murdered in Trenton, Florida ?? ? pic.twitter.com/Z0Yz8VN7wQ
— Prez ?? (@prezcandidates) April 19, 2018
2 Gilchrist County deputies killed in Trenton, Florida restaurant, officials say https://t.co/uHgsVt08K2 via @WFTV
— Jerry Smith (@jrandelsmith) April 19, 2018
My thoughts, prayers and condolences are with the families, friends and colleagues of the two @GCSOFlorida deputies (HEROES) who lost their lives in the line of duty today.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 19, 2018
BREAKING: Two deputies with @GCSOFlorida were shot and killed in the line of duty outside of a Chinese restaurant in Trenton, Florida. @abcactionnews https://t.co/4w2FE0rw1M pic.twitter.com/VFhBlVtwOb
— Griffin Frank (@GriffinFrank) April 19, 2018
The two Florida deputies were sitting in a restaurant. The evil thug walked up and shot thru the window. Killing them. It was an assassination.
Horrible. Stand with our Men and women in Blue. https://t.co/2v7F8UJ4uu
— Joe Walsh (@WalshFreedom) April 19, 2018
Governor Rick Scott’s Statement on the Shooting of Gilchrist County Deputy Sheriffs pic.twitter.com/3HLmd04xoa
— Rick Scott (@FLGovScott) April 20, 2018