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Tulane officials identify officer killed at basketball game in New Orleans

officer shot_WGNO.PNG
Posted at 11:21 AM, Feb 27, 2021
and last updated 2021-02-27 18:45:32-05

The New Orleans Police Department says a law enforcement officer providing security at a high school basketball game was fatally shot by a man who had been denied entry because he wasn't wearing a mask, New Orleans media outlets report.

According to NOPD Superintendent Shaun Ferguson, the victim was a Tulane University police officer and a reserve officer with the 2nd City Court Constable.

Tulane University on Saturday identified the officer at Corporal Martinus Mitchum. In a statement, the university said Mitchum was "a dedicated police professional who had a heart of service for the Tulane community."

A suspect, 35-year-old John Shallerhorn, was arrested and is facing a charge of first degree murder of a police officer.

WDSU reports that during the basketball game, Shallerhorn attempted to enter the game without a mask and was stopped. A disturbance then ensued, during which the law enforcement officer intervened and tried to escort Shallerhorn out of the building. Shallerhorn then allegedly pulled out a gun and shot the deputy constable in the chest.

He placed the gun on the ground and was arrested at the scene, according to WGNO.

Paramedics worked on the injured officer while transporting him to UMC, according to radio communications. He was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Shots can be heard ringing out during the basketball game in the below video from WGNO:

Shallerhorn is being held without bond.

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