Governor Orders Flags Lowered, County Executive Notes 'Sad Loss'

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LANDOVER, MD — Flags are flying at half-staff Monday across Maryland to honor a promising Prince George’s County Police officer who was gunned down Sunday night.

U.S. Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch said Monday that the attack on Officer Jacai Colson, 28, Sunday night "was a heinous act of violence and a cowardly crime."

In remembering the fallen officer Jacai Colson, Gov. Larry Hogan said, “The First Lady and I send our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Officer Colson.”

Colson died Sunday in what is described by authorities as an ambush by the suspects, one of whom was wounded in a gun battle with police officers who charged out of the District III police station in Landover to subdue the gunman. Prince George's County Police said Monday that three brothers are in custody in connection with Colson's death.

»SEE ALSO: UPDATE Maryland Police Officer Killed in Ambush; Two Brothers in Custody

“The Department of Justice stands in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in law enforcement around the country to condemn this horrific attack, to support the Prince George’s County community, and to grieve the loss of Officer Jacai Colson," Lynch said in a statement.

“Officer Colson was a consummate public servant and a proud defender of the law – a young guardian raised in the tradition of service to his community. His tragic loss is a reminder of the threats that public safety officers face every day, and the dangers that they bravely confront, in every jurisdiction across the country. The Department of Justice will offer any possible aid to the Prince George’s County community as they investigate this terrible crime, and we will continue to do all that we can to protect and support our officers and hold wrongdoers accountable.”

Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker III called Colson’s death a devastating and sad loss.

“This tragedy is a somber reminder of the sacrifice that our police officers make for our safety each and every day,” Baker said. “We cannot take their sacrifice for granted."

Numerous law enforcement agencies and fire departments across the state shared their sympathies with Prince George’s County, as well.

Hogan released this statement Sunday after Colson’s death:

“I am shocked and saddened by the news this evening of the death of Prince George's County police officer Jacai Colson in the line of duty. Our administration is committed to assisting Prince George's County officials during this time, and the Maryland State Police are working closely with local law enforcement to provide support as needed.

The First Lady and I send our sincere prayers to the family and loved ones of Officer Colson, who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to his fellow citizens and community. It is my hope that his proud legacy of commitment and passion for law enforcement and serving others will provide some comfort in the difficult days that lie ahead.

In honor and remembrance of Officer Colson, flags have been ordered to fly at half-staff.”

Baker released this statement late Sunday:

“On a quiet and rainy Sunday in Prince George’s County, tragedy struck our county’s police department as officer Jacai Colson, a four-year veteran died after being shot during an attack at our County’s District 3 Police Headquarters. The Prince George’s County Police Department is actively and aggressively pursuing this investigation with every resource available to them to understand what led to this horrible event.

Officer Colson has been described by his colleagues as a “cop’s cop” and was beloved for his work ethic and commitment to serving residents of Prince George’s County. He would have celebrated his 29thbirthday this week and had a bright future in front of him. I ask for all Prince Georgians to keep Officer Colson’s family and the men and women of our police department in your thoughts and prayers. This is a devastating and sad loss, but we will see it through together.

This tragedy is a somber reminder of the sacrifice that our police officers make for our safety each and every day. We cannot take their sacrifice for granted."

»Photo of police car in mourning parked at District III station, courtesy of Prince George's County Police.