CLEVELAND — As the community mourns the loss of Cleveland police officer Jamieson Ritter, who was fatally shot in the line of duty during the overnight hours of Thursday, tributes are pouring in from government leaders, first responders, and more.
Ritter was among the Cleveland officers who responded to the 1500 block of East 80th Street for "a male wanted for a felonious assault from a local suburb."
"Officers arrived on scene and attempted to make contact with the male," Cleveland Police Chief Annie Todd explained. "The male did exit the house and tried to leave the area on a bicycle. Officers attempted to arrest the male when the male produced a firearm and began firing multiple times. One of our members was struck by one of those bullets. He was transported to the hospital and he did expire at the hospital from his injuries."
The suspect — identified as 24-year-old De'Lawnte Hardy — has been arrested and charged with aggravated murder.
TRIBUTES FROM GOVERNMENT LEADERS
CLEVELAND MAYOR JUSTIN BIBB
"I am heartbroken about the devastating loss of one of our Cleveland Division of Police officers today. Our entire city mourns the tragic loss of this dedicated public servant.
"We will fully support the investigation and ensure that the perpetrator is swiftly brought to justice to the fullest extent of the law.
"My deepest condolences go out to the family, friends, and colleagues of our fallen officer. Please pray for his family and the Cleveland Division of Police as we mourn this senseless loss."
Bibb also offered more remarks at Thursday's press conference:
OHIO GOV. MIKE DeWINE
"Fran and I offer our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Cleveland Police Officer Jamieson Ritter, who not only dedicated his life to protecting the citizens of Cleveland but also served his state and nation as a member of the Ohio National Guard. On this Independence Day, this tragedy is a painful reminder of the sacrifices our law enforcement and military members make in support of freedom and public safety."
DeWine also ordered the flags of the United States and state of Ohio lowered to half-staff throughout Cuyahoga County and other state buildings
U.S. SEN. SHERROD BROWN (D-OH)
"Early this morning, Cleveland tragically lost one of our bravest in the line of duty. He selflessly gave his life to keep our city safe — our hearts go out to his family, his friends, and all his colleagues on the force."
U.S. SEN. JD VANCE (R-OH)
"Cleveland lost a remarkable young officer, killed in the line of duty by a violent criminal.
"May God rest the soul of Jamieson Ritter. To his friends and family: we are so sorry, and so very grateful for Officer Ritter."
REP. SHONTEL BROWN (D-OH-11)
"I am deeply saddened by the devastating loss of Officer Jamieson Ritter and my prayers are with his family, loved ones, and the men and women of the Cleveland Division of Police.
"Officer Ritter made the ultimate sacrifice for our community and justice must be done. It is truly tragic to see a young man taken from us too soon. In May, Officer Ritter was named Officer of the Month by the Cleveland Police Foundation, for three heroic actions taken in this year alone. Officer Ritter was someone who saved lives and helped those in need.
"It is beyond heartbreaking that we have lost an officer in the line of duty, a powerful and sober reminder of the risks that law enforcement officers take every day to protect us."
REP. MAX MILLER (R-OH-7)
"Our hearts are heavy with this news. Thoughts and prayers for the fallen officer, family & friends. Grateful for the service of all who put themselves on the line for us daily."
OHIO ATTORNEY GENERAL DAVE YOST
"This young officer was a selfless hero who served his community with favor and dedicated his life to restraining evil.
"The loss of an officer on a day when we celebrate the many freedoms of our country is a cruel reminder of the price paid by those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to keep our communities safe.
"My deepest condolences are with Officer Ritter’s loved ones and the Cleveland Police Department."
CLEVELAND CITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT BLAINE GRIFFIN
"This is an immense tragedy not only for the officer’s family and friends but also for the Division of Police and the city of Cleveland. We extend our sincerest sympathies to his family."
CUYAHOGA COUNTY EXECUTIVE CHRIS RONAYNE
"I am saddened to learn of the senseless killing of Cleveland Police Officer Jamieson Ritter. On behalf of Cuyahoga County, I offer my sincere condolences to Jamieson’s family and loved ones, and to the entire Cleveland community. Now, more than ever, it is imperative that we support members of law enforcement for what they do to protect us every day. We vow to honor Officer Jamieson Ritter’s memory. May he rest in peace."
CUYAHOGA COUNTY SHERIFF HAROLD PRETEL
"On behalf of the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Department, I extend my condolences to the members of the Cleveland Division of Police on the senseless and tragic killing of Police Officer Jamieson Ritter. This is another stark reminder of the increasing violence against law enforcement, and the danger faced by those who answer the call to duty. My heart breaks for Officer Jamieson Ritter’s family and loved ones. The Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Department stands in solidarity with our brothers and sisters of the Cleveland Division of Police."
NORTHEAST OHIO FIRST RESPONDERS
MOTHER OF FALLEN EUCLID POLICE OFFICER JACOB DERBIN
3News' Lindsay Buckingham spoke with Dawn Derbin, the mother of Euclid police officer Jacob Derbin, who was fatally shot earlier this year. Here is what she said:
"My already shattered heart mourns for Officer Ritter, his family, and colleagues. Every morning, I still wake up and it feels like the first day I lost my son, all over again. This is another senseless and tragic loss for someone doing his job, protecting and serving his community. The world needs to support our police. Enough is enough. Take the time to thank an officer for all they do every time you see them. Simply start there."
CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
Previous Reporting
- Breaking updates: Cleveland police officer dies in overnight shooting
- Cleveland police officer killed in overnight shooting identified as Jamieson Ritter
- De'Lawnte Hardy identified as suspect in deadly shooting of Cleveland police officer: First court appearance set for Friday
- Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine orders lowering of flags to honor fallen Cleveland police officer Jamieson Ritter
- Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb releases statement after officer killed in overnight shooting: 'My deepest condolences go out to the family'
- Cleveland Police Chief Annie Todd speaks after officer killed in shooting: 'This is another time to show our support to our officers'