Slain deputy was seven-year veteran of Sheriff’s Department

Deputy Patrick Rohrer, 35, died in a shooting about 11:16 a.m. today near the Wyandotte County Courthouse, according to a Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department spokesman.

Rohrer had seven years of service with the Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Department.

Another Wyandotte County deputy who was shot is in critical condition at the University of Kansas Hospital, according to officials.

Two deputies were shot this morning as they were transferring inmates to the Wyandotte County Jail from a hearing in the court services building across the street, in the 800 block of North 7th Street. The shooting is believed to have happened in the gated parking lot behind the court services building.

The suspect in the case was shot and was in surgery at KU Hospital, according to officials.

Gov. Jeff Colyer has released a statement regarding the tragic shooting of two Wyandotte County Sheriff’s deputies this morning in Kansas City, Kansas:

“I was deeply saddened to learn of the tragic shooting of two sheriff’s deputies outside the Wyandotte County Courthouse earlier this morning. Our law enforcement officers put their lives on the line each and every day to protect the public and their selfless service deserves our highest honor.

“Ruth and I will be praying for the victims and their families, as well as all our law enforcement officers and other first responders as we come together as a community to mourn this horrific tragedy,” Gov. Colyer said in his statement.

Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt issued a statement on the shootings earlier today of two Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Office deputies:

“Today’s terrible events in Kansas City bitterly remind us once again of the dangers and sacrifices faced every day by law enforcement officers throughout our state and nation. The prayers of all of Kansas lift up the deputy killed today, the deputy still fighting for life, their families and friends, and their fellow men and women in law enforcement who keep our communities safe each and every day.”