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Two bailiffs killed, gunman dead after shooting at Michigan courthouse

Sheriff Paul Bailey said the suspect was a prisoner who disarmed an officer as he was being moved from a holding cell 

Justin Carissimo
New York
Monday 11 July 2016 20:39 BST
(Gretta Volkenstein/FB)

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A gunman was killed after shooting three people inside a western Michigan courthouse on Monday afternoon.

Two bailiffs were fatally shot and one deputy sheriff suffered minor injuries in the attack, the Berrien County Commissioner told ABC 57 News.

Berrien County Sheriff Paul Bailey told reporters that the suspect was a prisoner who had disarmed an officer as he was being moved from a holding cell at the Berrien County Courthouse around 2:30pm on Monday.

The gunman died at the scene after a shootout with police, and officials said the site was secured by 3pm.

One of the injured was an officer, who sustained injuries to his left arm and finger, officials told WBST.


Governor Rick Snyder reacted to the violence shortly after the scene was secured by law enforcement.

“[Michigan State Police] has secured the scene at the Berrien County courthouse and started its investigation into the shooting that occurred this afternoon,” Snyder wrote on Twitter.

“Please join me in praying for those affected,” he said. “We will share more information here from MSP as it becomes available.”

A memorial has been set up outside the courthouse to honor the victims of the shooting.

Multiple agencies have responded to the courthouse, and victims have been transported to the Lakeland Hospital in St. Joseph​.

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