KISSIMMEE, Fla. — The community is mourning the death of two Kissimmee officers shot in the line of duty Friday night.
The officers were shot in the area of Cypress and Palmway streets, police said.
Kissimmee Mayor Jose Alvarez said in a statement, "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of our fallen officer, Matthew Baxter who lost his life in the line of duty on Friday, August 18th. Our prayers also go out to Sergeant Sam Howard and his family as he remains in critical condition. The entire City of Kissimmee is in mourning. We pray for all law enforcement who are out there, protecting our community."
Kissimmee police Officer Matthew Baxter and Sgt. Sam Howard were shot in a scuffle at about 9:30 p.m. Friday at Palmway and East Cypress streets near East Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway and North Main Street, Kissimmee Police Chief Jeff O’Dell said.
President Trump and the community have taken to Twitter to offer their condolences.
[ Photos: Two Kissimmee officers shot, killed ]
Kissimmee Vice Mayor Wanda Rentas also released a statement: My sincere and heartfelt condolences to Officer Matthew Baxter wife, family, friends and KPD brother's and sister's. I'm heartbroken that his children will not have their daddy in their lives. God bless all the first responders as well as the men and women in blue."
[ Watch: History of crime in neighborhood where 2 Kissimmee officers were shot ]
Governor Rick Scott released the following statement:
Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi released the following statement:
"Late last night, I spoke to Kissimmee Police Chief O'Dell after learning of the murder of Officer Matt Baxter and the shooting of Sergeant Sam Howard, who was gravely injured. We ask everyone to continue praying for the families of the Kissimmee officers as well as Officers Michael Fox and Kevin Gerald of the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office who were also shot in the line of duty last night.
This horrific violence against law enforcement will not be tolerated, and as Attorney General I will continue to ensure those who commit violence against our law enforcement officers are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Our thoughts and prayers are also with the two Pennsylvania Highway Patrol Troopers who were shot Friday night. Brave men and women throughout our country risk their lives each day to protect us and keep our children safe, and as a country we must do everything we can to support them."
Congressman Darren Soto released the following statement on the shooting:
Soto’s office said it has been in contact with KPD to offer any resources and assistance they may need on a federal level.