Federal security officer shot outside Phoenix courthouse; person in custody

PHOENIX — A person is in custody after a federal security officer was shot outside a courthouse Tuesday in downtown Phoenix, an FBI spokesperson said.

The shooting at the Sandra Day O’Connor U.S. Courthouse occurred shortly after 11:30 a.m., The Arizona Republic reported. The security officer was taken to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, Phoenix police spokesperson Sgt. Ann Justus told the newspaper.

BREAKING: Shooting outside 401 W. Washington, near the Federal Courthouse. Non-life threatening injuries. #PhxPD looking for vehicle shown in this picture. Any tips call 602-262-6151 or https://t.co/hF4eXJ45F8 pic.twitter.com/wfvu8u5drX
— Phoenix Police (@PhoenixPolice) September 15, 2020

According to KPNX, U.S. Marshal David Gonzalez said the guard’s vest absorbed the impact of the gunshot.

This senseless violence against law enforcement has now come to Arizona. The shooter must be held accountable, along with those who encourage this violence or stand silent while these criminals feel emboldened to attack those who serve us. (1/2) https://t.co/3RnQIw9fRN
— Martha McSally (@SenMcSallyAZ) September 15, 2020

The Phoenix Police Department released a photo of a silver car that was spotted leaving the area, KVTK reported. Justus said the investigation had been turned over to the FBI, and by 2 p.m., the agency said there was a person in custody.

“There is no further information to suggest there is a continued threat to public safety,” FBI spokesperson Jill McCabe said in a statement.

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey said in a tweet that he is “praying for this officer and for a full recovery.”