Two police officers were shot outside the Ferguson Police Department just after midnight Thursday, police and eyewitnesses said. The shootings came during protests following the Ferguson police chief's resignation on Wednesday afternoon.
In a press conference outside the hospital where the officers were being treated on Thursday morning, St. Louis County Police Chief Jon Belmar said that a 32-year-old officer from suburban Webster Groves was shot in the face and a 41-year-old officer from St. Louis County was shot in the shoulder, according to the Associated Press. Belmar said the injuries were "very serious" but that both officers were conscious, and that he assumed they were targeted because they were police officers. Police had no one in custody in connection with the shooting.
Police shine a light on and photograph a helmet as they investigate the scene where two police officers were shot outside the Ferguson Police Department Thursday, March 12, 2015, in Ferguson, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Witness Tony Rice told The Huffington Post he heard several shots and saw one officer on the ground hollering. Photographer Bradley Rayford said in an interview that he was standing near the line of officers outside the Ferguson Police Department when he heard gunshots and saw a muzzle flash. He said heard the bullets whiz through the air and saw one fallen officer being dragged to safety.
Officers drew their weapons and took protective positions after the shots were fired, and some protesters cleared the area. Officers advanced up a street across from the police department where the shots seem to have originated, one live stream showed.
A cell phone video also appeared to capture the moment the two police officers were shot:
More photos of the scene from the AP:
Police gather outside the Ferguson Police Department Thursday, March 12, 2015, after two police officers were shot according to witnesses in Ferguson, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Police gather outside the Ferguson Police Department Thursday, March 12, 2015, after two police officers were shot according to witnesses in Ferguson, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Police investigate the scene where two police officers were shot outside the Ferguson Police Department Thursday, March 12, 2015, in Ferguson, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Paramedics load one of two police officers who were shot while standing guard in front of the Ferguson Police Station during a protest on Thursday, March 12, 2015.
Police take cover after two officers were shot while standing guard in front of the Ferguson Police Station on Thursday, March 12, 2015.
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Police mobilize in the parking lot of the Ferguson Police Station after two police officers were shot while standing guard in front of the Ferguson Police Station on Thursday, March 12, 2015.