A federal agent in California He was shot and another was wounded while guarding federal court in Oakland as one of the increasingly violent protests in the country was unfolding.
“When someone attacks a police officer or a police station with the intention of harming and intimidating, it is an act of national terrorism”, said the acting undersecretary of the Department of Homeland SecurityKen Cuccinelli at a press conference in Washington, D.C.
The Oakland incident occurred after a vehicle pulled up outside the Ronald V. Dellums Federal Building around 9:45 p.m. Friday. Someone opened fire on two external security officers who worked for the Federal Homeland Security Protection Servicekilling one and seriously injuring another, authorities said.
Agents safeguard federal courts as part of their regular duties. Homeland Security officials said the two officers were monitoring Oakland’s protest of George Floyd’s death at the hands of police in Minnesota.
The identities of the agents have not been released.
A suspect has not been identified and it is currently unknown if authorities have determined whether the attack is related to the protest.
California Governor Gavin Newsom asked for patience and perspective as the federal investigation unfolds.
“No one should go ahead to link this heinous act with the protests last night”he said in a statement.
Federal officials indicated that they have detected an increase in threats and attacks against police officers in the protests and will intensify security measures to protect them.
“Currently there are no threats from some to attack police stations and federal buildings,” Cuccinelli said. “These acts of violence will not only not be tolerated, but we are committed to ensuring that it does not happen anywhere.”
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