Police officer killed in North Carolina hospital emergency room shooting

A police officer was shot and killed in a North Carolina emergency room Saturday morning, hospital officials confirmed to Fox News Digital.

WakeMed Campus Police Officer Roger Smith died following a shooting at WakeMed Garner Healthplex around 9 a.m., and hospital staff had “incredibly heavy hearts” over his death, according to a spokesperson.

“The Campus Police officer was working in the emergency room lobby of the WakeMed Garner Healthplex at the time and a struggle ensued. Officer Roger Smith died from his injuries,” the hospital said in a statement sent to Fox News Digital. he said.

The statement included the following: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Smith family who have now come to learn of this tragic incident.”

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He was identified as 29-year-old Benji Martin Jr., the Garner Police Department said in a statement to Fox News Digital. He confirmed that a suspect identified as was arrested hours later and charged with murder.

The hospital praised Garner Healthplex Emergency Department staff “for their heroic and rapid response to this incident.”

The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and the Garner Police Department are leading the investigation, which is standard in police-related shootings.

“The WakeMed family is coming together to respond and process this tragic event,” the statement said. “Additional staff and counselors are on site to support our Garner Emergency Services and Campus Police teams.”

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The hospital praised Garner Healthplex Emergency Department staff “for their heroic and rapid response to this incident.” (Google Maps)

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein wrote in a social media post on Saturday that his “heart goes out to the family of Officer Roger Smith, who was killed while protecting patients and their families.”

He added, “Law enforcement officers put themselves in harm’s way to keep us safe, and we are forever grateful for Officer Smith’s sacrifice. Please pray for his family and the entire WakeMed community in their time of need.”

The FBI’s Charlotte field office also offered “heartfelt condolences to our law enforcement partners” in a social post mourning the loss of Smith.

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“This is a heartbreaking and senseless act of violence,” Garner Police Chief Adams said in a statement shared with Fox News Digital. “Officer Smith dedicated his career to protecting others, and even in his final moments, he put the safety of others ahead of his own. We extend our condolences to the Smith family, the WakeMed Campus Police Department, and the entire WakeMed staff. The Garner community mourns with you today.”