Gila River Shooting Today – A Gila River police officer was killed and another injured, along with four others, after a shooting early Saturday morning in the Gila River Indian Community.
Around 2 a.m., Gila River police responded to a disturbance at a home in the Santan area. As officers dealt with a large crowd, multiple gunshots were fired. Two Gila River officers and four others were injured.
All six were taken to local hospitals. Officer Joshua Briese, who had been with the force for less than a year and was still in field training, later died of his injuries. The second officer is in serious but stable condition. One of the four other individuals also died, but the conditions of the others are currently unknown.
Details about the shooter(s) are unclear, and no suspect information has been released. The Gila River police and FBI are investigating. Gila River Indian Community Governor Stephen Roe Lewis expressed deep sorrow, emphasizing the community’s grief and the need for healing.
Officer Briese’s death has drawn condolences from various law enforcement agencies across the state, highlighting his dedication and the impact of his and his father’s service. Briese’s father, also a police officer, died in the line of duty in 2006.
Authorities urge anyone with information about the shooting to contact the Gila River Police Department at 520-562-7144.
Condolences and Statements from Various Agencies:
Holbrook Police Department: “Our prayers to the Gila River Police Department and the victims’ families.”
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Marana Police Department: “Rest easy Officer, we’ve got it from here.”
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Flagstaff Police Department: “May he rest in peace.”
Surprise Police Department: “Our sincerest condolences during this unimaginably difficult time.”
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Scottsdale Police Department: “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and the department.”
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Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell: “My heart is heavy… Words fail to adequately express the outrage we all feel.”
Phoenix Police Department: “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, loved ones, and the department.”
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Navajo Police Department: “We stand in solidarity with the department.”
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Arizona Department of Public Safety: “We extend our deepest condolences to Officer Briese’s family, colleagues, and friends.”
Goodyear Police Department: “Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and colleagues.”
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FBI Phoenix: “We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues.”
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Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office: “Sheriff Skinner and the entire team mourn with the Gila River Police Department.”
Northern Arizona University Police Department: “Our hearts and thoughts are with you.”
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Chandler Police Department: “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and all who knew him.”
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Ajo Fire Department: “Rest in Paradise, Sir.”
Page Police Department: “We ask that everyone keep the officers, their families, and the Gila River Police Department in your thoughts and prayers.”
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Gilbert Police Department: “We stand with our fellow brothers and sisters at Gila River PD during this difficult time.”
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Coolidge Police Department: “Rest in peace, sir.”
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Apache Junction Police Department: “May you rest in peace.”