(CNN) Seven law enforcement officers were shot, one fatally, during a standoff Wednesday in Florence, South Carolina, city police Chief Allen Heidler said.

Florence County Sheriff's deputies were executing a search warrant when a man opened fire, said Maj. Mike Nunn, a spokesman for the sheriff's office. The man then barricaded himself in the home with children during the two-hour standoff, Nunn said.

The other officers were shot as they responded to assist their fellow officers, authorities said.

"These officers went there unknowing the firepower this suspect had. ... They thought it was a random search warrant," Florence County Sheriff Kenney Boone said.

He said the suspect was in custody.

Read More</s>Seven US law enforcement officers have been shot, one of them fatally, in an incident in South Carolina, officials say.

Police in the city of Florence had been responding to a call for help from the sheriff's office.

A gunman had been holding children hostage and was involved in a two-hour stand-off before surrendering and taken to hospital.

He has not been identified and the motive is unclear.

US President Donald Trump has tweeted about the shooting, quoting South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster.

The Officer Down Memorial Page lists the names of 23,408 US police officers killed in the line of duty - 112 so far this year.

Over 15,000 people have been killed by guns in the United States in 2017, according to a list compiled by tracking website Gun Violence Archive.

That figure does not include an estimated 22,000 annual suicides using firearms.</s>Five police officers have been shot in South Carolina. One person is in custody. Picture: iStock

Five police officers have been shot in South Carolina. One person is in custody. Picture: iStock

ONE police officer has died and four others injured in a shooting in South Carolina.

Two other officers are said to be "touch and go".

The condition of the suspected, who is in custody, is unknown.

News Station WPDE reported three county deputies and two city officers were shot, citing Florence County Sheriff's Office.

The sheriff's office said the officers were shot in the Vintage Place subdivision, off Hoffmeyer Rd, Florence.

Law enforcement sources have since confirmed that one officer has died.

WPDE, citing the sheriff's office, reports two other officers were described as "touch and go".

Some of the officers are being treated in the McLeod Regional Medical Center.

The suspect is in hospital also.

The Florence County emergency management described the incident as "high priority".

"We are advising everyone to stay away from this area. We have Sheriff Officers along with City PD and other first responders handling this situation," they advised.

One officer heard on police scanner audio can be heard saying "officer down at this time. The Suspect was still firing, use precaution."

Video shared by WPDE showed multiple emergency vehicles rushing to the scene.

It's unclear why police were called to the scene at this stage and there's been no word on the condition of those involved.

The sheriff's office has asked people to stay away from the area.

One high school in the area, West Florence High School, confirmed it had done into lockdown.

"The selfless acts of bravery from the men and women in law enforcement is real," the governor said, "just like the power of prayer is real."

Florence is located in South Carolina's northeastern corner. It is home to roughly 37,000 people.

It's the largest city in the region known as the Pee Dee, an area recently affected by heavy flooding in the wake of Hurricane Florence.

More to come.</s>FLORENCE, South Carolina — A man shot seven police officers in South Carolina, killing one, in a standoff so dangerous that police had to use a bullet-proof vehicle to rescue the wounded, authorities said.

The man also held children hostage for two hours in his Florence home Wednesday afternoon, but they were released safely as the suspect was taken into custody, Florence County Sheriff’s Maj. Mike Nunn said.

It was a stunning shooting in an area already reeling from record flooding from Hurricane Florence. The sheriff and police chief both cried as they spoke to reporters just hours after the shooting.

“I want you to pray for the family who lost the bravest police officer I have ever known,” Florence Police Chief Allen Heidler said of Terrence Carraway. City of Florence spokesman John Wukela confirmed Carraway’s death to The Associated Press late Wednesday. Carraway, 52, of Darlington, had recently celebrated 30 years as a police officer. He was pronounced dead at a local hospital. An autopsy will be performed at Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, according to the coroner’s office.

The man shot three Florence County deputies from inside a home as they came to serve a warrant around 4 p.m. Wednesday, Nunn said.

The suspect then shot four Florence city police officers, one fatally, as officers from all around the area swarmed in to help, Heidler said.

Officials refused to say why they were serving a warrant. They also did not name him or the wounded officers, nor did they give their conditions.

Both Heidler and Florence County Sheriff Kenney Boone had tears in their eyes as they spoke to reporters about two hours after the standoff ended.

Condolences and outpourings of support rolled in at news of the shooting.

“This is simply devastating news from Florence,” Gov. Henry McMaster tweeted. “The selfless acts of bravery from the men and women in law enforcement is real, just like the power of prayer is real.”

Thom Berry, spokesman for the State Law Enforcement Division, said the agency had sent crime scene technicians to assist officials in Florence but at this time had not been requested to help with any investigation.

Boone said investigators from Richland County would help investigate the shooting. He did not say why he wasn’t using state police like most law enforcement agencies do in officer shootings in South Carolina.

Authorities said the shootings happened in Vintage Place, an upscale neighborhood in the western part of the city.

Bobby Goin stood outside waiting for police to let him back to his home where his wife and granddaughter heard gunshots from the home back further in the neighborhood.

“Surprised is probably an understatement,” Goin said of the shooting in the neighborhood where he has lived for 20 years. “The worst thing that goes on around here is that someone runs a stop sign and it gets posted on Facebook.”

This is the second shooting of multiple police officers in South Carolina this year. In January, a 47-year-old former banker shot four officers in York County, killing one, after his wife called 911 to report he beat her. Christian McCall pleaded guilty and was sentenced to life without parole.

Florence, a city in South Carolina’s northeastern corner home to roughly 37,000, sits at the convergence of Interstates 95 and 20. It’s the largest city in the region known as the Pee Dee, where flooding from Hurricane Florence devastated areas to the east and south.

Associated Press writer Monica Mathur in New York contributed to this report.

Follow the Bangor Daily News on Facebook for the latest Maine news.</s>Authorities direct traffic near the Vintage Place neighborhood where several law enforcement officers were shot in Florence, South Carolina.

Seven law enforcement officers were shot, one fatally, on Wednesday night during a two-hour standoff in an upscale residential neighborhood in Florence County, South Carolina.

The male suspect, who held children hostage as he fired upon officers from multiple agencies, has yet to be named. The children were unharmed, police said.

The incident began around 4 p.m. EST when investigators from the Florence County Sheriff’s Office attempted to serve a search warrant at a home in the Vintage Place subdivision, not far from areas devastated by flooding from Hurricane Florence last month. That's when the suspect began shooting, said Public Information Officer Maj. Michael Nunn.

"Fire was being shot all over," Florence County Sheriff Kenney Boone said. "The way the subject was positioned, his view of fire was several hundred yards so he had an advantage."

Soon, Florence Police Department officers responded to assist deputies as the suspect remained barricaded inside the home. Three county deputies and four city officers were shot before the suspect surrendered after talking with a negotiator, according to local media reports.

With a bullet-resistant rescue vehicle, the wounded officers were evacuated and transported to a hospital. The names of the six officers receiving medical treatment have not been released.

The fallen police officer was identified by City of Florence spokesperson John Wukela as Terrence Carraway, a 30-year veteran of the department.

"Please pray for these officers and their speedy recovery," Florence Police Chief Allen Heidler said, holding back tears. "Pray for the family who lost the bravest police officer that I have ever known."

Officials declined to reveal why they were serving a warrant on the suspect.

"This is a hard and difficult day for us," Nunn said.

The confrontation also rattled federal and state officials, including President Donald Trump, who extended "thoughts and prayers" via Twitter and added, "We are forever grateful for what our Law Enforcement Officers do 24/7/365."

"This is simply devastating news from Florence. The selfless acts of bravery from the men and women in law enforcement is real, just like the power of prayer is real," South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster tweeted.

South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham tweeted that he was "heartbroken" over the shooting and added, "God bless those who choose to protect us and their families. We are keeping them in our prayers."

Florence, a city in South Carolina’s northeastern corner home to roughly 37,000, sits at the convergence of Interstates 95 and 20. It’s the largest city in the region known as the Pee Dee, an area recently affected by heavy flooding in the wake of Hurricane Florence.</s>Authorities direct traffic near the Vintage Place neighborhood where several law enforcement officers were shot in Florence, South Carolina.

Seven law enforcement officers were shot, one fatally, in Florence County, South Carolina, authorities said Wednesday night.

Local media reports said the shooting may have escalated from a domestic violence situation Wednesday night. Officers responded to an active shooting in Vintage Place, an upscale residential subdivision, Florence County Emergency Management tweeted.

A suspect was in custody, authorities said.

Florence County Coroner Keith von Lutcken said the dead officer was a member of the city police department. Three Florence County sheriff’s deputies were shot, said Public Information Officer Major Michael Nunn, and four city officers were shot, said Florence Police Chief Allen Heidler.

"This is a hard and difficult day for us," Nunn said. "We don't have all the details at this time as the incident has just concluded."

Officials have not released the names of the officers.

At approximately 4 p.m., investigators from sheriff’s office attempted to serve a search warrant when the suspect inside the Vintage Place home opened fire, Nunn said.

Nunn said officers from the city police department responded to assist. The subject remained barricaded in the residence with children and the standoff lasted about two hours. With a bullet-resistant rescue vehicle, the wounded officers were evacuated and transported to a hospital.

"This is simply devastating news from Florence. The selfless acts of bravery from the men and women in law enforcement is real, just like the power of prayer is real," South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster tweeted.

At 8:03 p.m. Eastern, President Donald Trump also extended "thoughts and prayers" via Twitter and added, "We are forever grateful for what our Law Enforcement Officers do 24/7/365."

Florence, a city in South Carolina’s northeastern corner home to roughly 37,000, sits at the convergence of Interstates 95 and 20. It’s the largest city in the region known as the Pee Dee, an area recently affected by heavy flooding in the wake of Hurricane Florence.

South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham tweeted that he was "heartbroken" over the shooting and added, "God bless those who choose to protect us and their families. We are keeping them in our prayers."</s>Five law enforcement officers, including three county deputies and two city officers, have been shot in Florence County, South Carolina, sheriff’s deputy Chief Glenn Kirby told local media.

A Facebook post from Florence County officials confirmed that a call was made in Vintage Place off Hoffmeyer Road in Florence, South Carolina.

As of 6 p.m. ET Wednesday afternoon, the active threat is over and the suspect is now in custody, according to Florence County Emergency Management

Conditions of the officers involved have no yet been released.

This a developing news story, check back here for more updates.</s>South Carolina state troopers gather on Hoffmeyer Road near the Vintage Place neighborhood where several law enforcement officers were shot, one fatally, Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2018, in Florence, S.C.

FLORENCE, S.C. – A man barricaded himself and children in his home before opening fire on officers serving a search warrant, killing one officer and wounding six more during a lengthy and withering firefight that ended with the suspect's surrender, authorities said.

Florence County Sheriff Kenney Boone said sheriff's deputies serving the warrant, related to alleged sexual assault on a child by another person, had no idea they would encounter such furious firepower. Authorities used a bullet-proof military vehicle to collect their wounded during the rampage.

"Fire was being shot all over," Boone said. "The way the subject was positioned, his view of fire was several hundred yards so he had an advantage."

Boone said Florence Police Department officers responded to assist deputies as the rampage roared on. Three county deputies and four city officers were shot before the suspect surrendered to a negotiator.

The fallen police officer was identified as Terrence Carraway, 52, a 30-year veteran of the department. The names of the six officers receiving medical treatment had not been released.

Florence Police Chief Allen Heidler, holding back tears, called the officers his "family" and asked that the public pray for their speedy recovery.

"Pray for the family who lost the bravest police officer that I have ever known," Heidler added.

The confrontation also drew the attention of President Donald Trump, who extended "thoughts and prayers" via Twitter and added, "We are forever grateful for what our Law Enforcement Officers do 24/7/365."

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster tweeted that "This is simply devastating news from Florence. The selfless acts of bravery from the men and women in law enforcement is real, just like the power of prayer is real."

South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham tweeted that he was "heartbroken" over the shooting and added, "God bless those who choose to protect us and their families. We are keeping them in our prayers."

lorence, a city in South Carolina’s northeastern corner home to roughly 37,000, sits at the convergence of Interstates 95 and 20. It’s the largest city in the region known as the Pee Dee, an area recently affected by heavy flooding in the wake of Hurricane Florence.</s>Florence, SC (WLTX, AP) - A South Carolina police chief says two of his officers have been released from the hospital and another remains in serious condition one day after a man opened fire on officers trying to serve a search warrant.

Florence Police Chief Allen Heidler addressed a news conference Thursday. One of Heidler's officers, 52-year-old Terrence Carraway, died in the shooting. In all, four city police officers and three Florence County deputies were shot. Heidler didn't know the condition of the wounded deputies.

"They will be scarred for a long period of time," Heidler said of the officers who are now back home.

Related Coverage: Fallen officer remembered as being 'bravest I've ever known'

He remembered slain Sgt. Terrence Carraway as "my brother." They had served together three decades. He said of Carraway was "the epitome of a community police officer."

A public viewing and memorial service for Carraway are set for Monday.

Meanwhile, the man accused of shooting at them has been identified as a 74-year-old ex-attorney. Frederick Hopkins is currently still at the hospital, and reportedly has a head injury and isn't able to speak to officers. WPDE reports Hopkins fell at the scene.

The Associated Press reports Hopkins is a disbarred lawyer who has been charged several times in recent years, starting with a 2014 count of disorderly conduct. According to public court records, Hopkins' charges include two in 2015 and 2017 for "running at large," an offense related to not restraining one's animals.

Public records show he's the husband of Florence divorce attorney Cheryl Turner-Hopkins. South Carolina Bar records show Frederick Hopkins used to be a lawyer but has been disbarred.

Kirby told reporters officers were trying to serve a warrant involving an accusation that a 27-year-old person at the home sexually assaulted a foster child in the home.

The officers were fired upon Wednesday afternoon. Three Florence County deputies and four Florence City Police officers were wounded.

Florence County Coroner Keith von Lutchken said one of the officers, a member of the Florence City Police Department had died. Lutchken identified the officer as 52-year-old Terrence Carraway, a veteran of the agency who'd just celebrated 30-years with the force.

"This has been a horrendous evening," said Florence Police Chief Allen Heidler. "Today marks a horrible day, I lost a good friend of mine, my friend for 30 years. Pray for the bravest police officer I know."

The extent of the other officers' injuries are not yet known.

The shooting took place off Hoffmeyer Road in the Vintage Place subdivision. Florence County deputies said they had gone to a home there to serve the search warrant and Hopkins opened fire, initially wounding three officers. Hopkins, officers said.

Officers had to use a bullet resistant vehicle to recover those who'd been hurt. There were children inside the home, but officers said all of them were okay.

Related Coverage: Salvation Army helps out during officer-involving shooting in SC

As it was happening, the Florence County Emergency Management Division described the situation as an "active shooter incident." At 6 p.m., about two hours after the incident began, the suspect surrendered to deputies after talking to a negotiator. He was taken to the hospital for treatment.

Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott and his agency have been brought in as the lead investigating agency.

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division and the ATF also responded to the scene.

President Donald Trump reacted to the tragedy on Twitter. "My thoughts and prayers are with the Florence County Sheriff's Office and the Florence Police Department tonight," the President wrote. "We are forever grateful for what our Law Enforcement Officers do 24/7/365."

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster also reacted to the shooting on social media.

"This is simply devastating news from Florence," McMaster wrote. "The selfless acts of bravery from the men and women in law enforcement is real, just like the power of prayer is real."

This is a developing story. More information will be provided as it comes in.

PHOTOS: 7 South Carolina police officer shot in the line of duty

Raw video from the scene is below:</s>South Carolina state troopers gather on Hoffmeyer Road near the Vintage Place neighborhood where several law enforcement officers were shot, one fatally, Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2018, in Florence, S.C.

FLORENCE, S.C. – A disbarred lawyer and disabled veteran barricaded himself in his home with children and opened fire on officers serving a search warrant, killing one officer and wounding six more during a withering, two-hour firefight that ended with the suspect's surrender, authorities said.

The suspect, 74-year-old Frederick Hopkins, was hospitalized with a head injury, Florence County Chief Deputy Glenn Kirby said Thursday. A 20-year-old man inside the home also was wounded.

Sheriff Kenney Boone said deputies serving the warrant had no idea they would encounter such furious firepower Wednesday.

"Fire was being shot all over," Boone said. "The way the subject was positioned, his view of fire was several hundred yards so he had an advantage. Officers couldn't get to the ones who were down."

Authorities used a bullet-proof military vehicle to collect their wounded as the rampage roared on. Boone said Florence Police Department officers responded to assist his deputies, three of whom were wounded. For police officers also were shot before the suspect surrendered to a negotiator.

The fallen police officer was identified as Terrence Carraway, 52, a 30-year veteran of the department. The names of the six officers receiving medical treatment had not been released.

Boone thanked Florence police for their quick response. Police Chief Allen Heidler, holding back tears, called the officers his "family" and asked that the public pray for their speedy recovery.

"Pray for the family who lost the bravest police officer that I have ever known," Heidler added.

Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and ATF were at the scene to assist the shooting investigation.

Hopkins has faced a string of minor charges since a 2014 arrest for disorderly conduct. Kirby said the officers arrived at the home at about 4 p.m. Wednesday to serve a warrant involving a 27-year-old person at the home who was accused of sexually assaulting a foster child.

The shootout drew the attention of President Donald Trump, who extended "thoughts and prayers" via Twitter and added, "We are forever grateful for what our Law Enforcement Officers do 24/7/365."

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster tweeted that "This is simply devastating news from Florence. The selfless acts of bravery from the men and women in law enforcement is real, just like the power of prayer is real."

Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., tweeted that he was "heartbroken" over the shooting and added, "God bless those who choose to protect us and their families. We are keeping them in our prayers."

Florence is a city of 38,000 in eastern South Carolina. Last month, the area was deluged by flooding after Hurricane Florence.
Seven police officers are shot, one fatally, by a gunman in Florence, South Carolina, United States. Five civilians were also injured.