2 police officers fatally shot in Texas

Two police officers were fatally shot in Texas Saturday afternoon as they responded to a domestic disturbance call.

City officials identified the two McAllen, Texas police officers in a Facebook post as Edelmiro Garza and Ismael Chavez. Garza, 45, had been with the department for almost nine years, while Chavez, 39, had been with it for two and a half years, McAllen Police Chief Victor Rodriguez said during a press conference.

The officers attempted to enter a home where assaults were alleged to have occurred before Audon Ignacio Camarillo, 23, allegedly opened fire on them. 

“They were doing their job. That is what they were supposed to do. The person who was a suspect of the incident, met our officers at the door, and shot at both officers,” Rodriguez said.

“Both officers suffered fatal wounds. They have both passed away as a result. The officers never had a chance to suspect deadly assault on them, much less death,” he added. 

Two other officers approached the scene and found Garza and Chavez outside the home. They demanded the suspect drop his weapon, but he shot and killed himself, officials said.

Camarillo, the suspect, had prior charges involving driving under the influence, fleeing from police, assault and marijuana possession, CNN reported.

“We are weakened for the moment, but the strength and resolve we have to serve our communities, all of us here, will allow us to do what we do every day and what our officers do every day,” Rodriguez said.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) said he “offered the full support” of the state after speaking to the police chief.

“Two of our finest were killed in the line of duty while working to protect residents in their community,” he said, adding “We unite to #BackTheBlue.”

Two of our finest were killed in the line of duty while working to protect residents in their community.

I’ve spoken with McAllen Police Chief Victor Rodriguez and offered the full support of the State of Texas.

We unite to #BackTheBlue.#RGVhttps://t.co/lm5DWQJSVC

— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) July 11, 2020

The office of Texas’s Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) also said it would “provide any assistance requested in the days ahead,” adding its prayers are with the city.

Our prayers and full support are with the valiant men and women of the #CityofMcAllen PD this evening.

This office will provide any assistance requested in the days ahead. We are grateful for police in McAllen and around this great state.

— Texas Attorney General (@TXAG) July 11, 2020