In a shocking and heartbreaking incident that unfolded on Saturday night, a Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy was fatally shot in what officials are describing as an ambush. Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer, 30, lost his life while sitting in his patrol car outside a sheriff’s station in Palmdale, California. He was in uniform and on active duty at the time of the attack.
Sheriff Robert Luna, visibly shaken by the tragic event, labeled it a “murder” and a “targeted attack” on Deputy Clinkunbroomer simply because he served as a police officer dedicated to his community, located approximately 55 miles northeast of Los Angeles.
The incident came to light when a passerby discovered Deputy Clinkunbroomer gravely wounded behind the wheel of his patrol cruiser around 6 p.m. The concerned citizen immediately called for assistance, but despite the prompt response from medical professionals, Deputy Clinkunbroomer succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.
During a late-night press conference, Sheriff Luna made a heartfelt plea to the public, urging anyone with potentially relevant video footage to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation.
Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer, who was recently engaged to be married, had devoted eight years of his life to serving on the force. His commitment to law enforcement ran deep, as he followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, both of whom had served in similar roles. Sheriff Luna expressed his deep sorrow, stating, “It hurts, it hurts bad. He was murdered (Saturday night). He didn’t deserve that. … From everything I know about Ryan, people loved and adored him.”
Sheriff Luna remained resolute, promising that law enforcement would work tirelessly to bring the perpetrator to justice, saying, “We’re going to catch this person.”
The tragic incident serves as a grim reminder of the risks faced by law enforcement officers across the United States. According to the National Fraternal Order of Police, there have been 83 ambush-style attacks on police officers in the country this year, resulting in 15 officers losing their lives to gunfire.
