Police officer on life support after shooting during Las Vegas protests

LAS VEGAS (KLAS/CBS News) - Las Vegas Metro Police say one of their officers was shot in the head Monday night during a protest over the death of George Floyd.

At a news conference just before 6:45 a.m., Sheriff Joseph Lombardo said he was aware of a tweet stating the officer had died, but said that was not the case, adding he was in “extremely critical condition.”

“Last night, as Metro officers were attempting to disperse a large crowd of protesters in front of the Circus Circus [Hotel], or officers were taking rocks and bottles from the crowd officers were attempting to get some of the protesters in custody, when a shot rang out, and our officer went down,” Lombardo said.

KLAS-TV reported that sources told the station the officer was in a fight with another suspect when someone walked up from behind and shot him in the head.

Authorities say a suspect in the shooting was identified and has been taken into custody.

It was one of two officer-involved shootings.

The second occurred at the Federal Courthouse, he said.

“At approximately 11:22 p.m., officers encountered a subject who was armed with multiple firearms and appear to be wearing body armor," Lombardo said. “During the interaction the subject reached for his firearm and officers engaged him.”

The man was shot by officers and was taken to an area hospital where he died, Lombardo said.

“It is a sad night for LVMPD family in a tragic night for our community," he said. “With these protests which are leading to riots, one tragedy is only leading to another.”

Gov. Steve Sisolak said on Twitter his office is monitoring the situation.

“My Office has been notified that the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department is currently working two separate incidents in Las Vegas,” he wrote. “The State is in contact with local law enforcement and continues to monitor the situation.”

The shootings happened during ongoing protests over Floyd’s death. A video of his arrest showing a white officer kneeling on Floyd’s neck for eight minutes while Floyd was heard saying, “I can’t breathe” has sparked a week of protests across the nation.

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