President Trump extended his sympathies Wednesday to the victims of a shooting in Florence, S.C., which left one police officer dead and another seven injured. One other person was injured in the shooting, according to local reports.

"My thoughts and prayers are with the Florence County Sheriff’s Office and the Florence Police Department tonight, in South Carolina," Trump posted on Twitter. "We are forever grateful for what our Law Enforcement Officers do 24/7/365."


Three deputies from the Florence County Sheriff’s Office and four officers from the Florence Police Department were hit with bullets after a tense standoff about 5 p.m. in an upscale neighborhood in the west of the city, according to local outlets, including WBTW- and KWCH-TV stations. Chief Deputy Glenn Kirby with the Florence County Sheriff's Office confirmed Wednesday evening that an officer from the police department was killed in the gunfire.

Kirby told reporters at a press conference the suspect had surrendered to authorities following talks with a negotiator and had been hospitalized with injuries. A 20-year-old man who was inside the home was also shot and treated for his wounds, Kirby said.

The Florence County Emergency Management Department urged people Wednesday evening to avoid the area as investigations were still ongoing. Federal special agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are assisting their inquiries.