Local and state leaders reacted Friday, April 12, to the death of Memphis Police officer Joseph McKinney.

McKinney was fatally shot in a gunfight that also saw the death of an 18-year-old suspect. 

Two other police officers were shot, one of them is in non-critical condition and the other was treated on the scene and is in stable condition. Another 17-year-old suspect is in critical condition.

MPD officer, suspect killed early Friday morning

Memphis Mayor Paul Young

“We need urgent action from this community. We mourn together. We stand together as one community. ... It’s a shame that our young people are making these choices. Families are being torn apart with the violence we are seeing in our community. ... I want to reiterate. We do need community action. The only way we reverse this thing is if our community plays a part.”

Shelby County District Attorney General Steve Mulroy

“I’m deeply saddened by Officer Joseph McKinney’s passing and extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, loved ones, and colleagues at MPD. Upon learning of this tragic incident, I promptly called in TBI to investigate. Consequently, there are limitations on what I can say at this time to avoid compromising TBI’s investigation.”

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee

“Maria and I are deeply saddened by the death of Memphis Police Officer Joseph McKinney while serving in the line of duty. Our prayers are with Officer McKinney’s family, the recovering officers and the Memphis law enforcement community.”

U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn

U.S. Sen. Bill Hagerty

“I am heartbroken to hear the news of the death of Memphis Police Officer Joseph McKinney. Chrissy and I are praying for his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”

U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen (D-Memphis)

“Police officers have difficult, often dangerous jobs. We need to keep working to provide them with the resources they need to work as safely as possible. I want to express my condolences to Officer McKinney’s family and friends, and my sorrow to the families of the officers injured in this terrible incident.”

U.S. Rep. David Kustoff (R-Memphis)

“Roberta and I are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of MPD Officer Joseph McKinney. Please join us in praying for the swift recovery of the two additional officers who were shot in the line of duty this morning.”

State Senate Democratic leader Raumesh Akbari

“Our community is hurting again after another act of senseless gun violence. In this moment, we need to lift up the MPD and the families who are grieving and then come together in finding ways to stop the next tragedy.”

State Sen. Brent Taylor (R-Eads)

“Please join me in praying for the family of MPD Officer Joseph McKinney, who was murdered last night in the line of duty. I will do everything in my power to bring transparency to what occurred and to why these violent criminals were on our streets. Enough is enough.”

State Rep. Antonio Parkinson (D-Memphis)

“Three officers were shot this morning in Memphis. One has died. Our city is grieving. Their families are grieving. These officers are our neighbors, our brothers, sisters, aunts and uncles, and to some parents. There are many of us who love and appreciate them. They sacrifice and put their lives on the line for us to be safe. Why do we make it unsafe for them?”

Memphis City Council member Chase Carlisle

“Today brings another sorrowful and heartbreaking day for our community. Numerous thoughts come to mind regarding the preventability of this incident through appropriate bail measures or the concerning issue of guns and violence in our community. Nevertheless, it is crucial to center our support & prayers on Officer Joseph McKinney’s family during this difficult time.”

Memphis City Council member Jerri Green

“This is a painful reminder of the risks the police take every day in the service to others and just how much work we have to do in Memphis. My heart is heavy, but my purpose is clear.”

Editor’s note: Comments have been disabled on this story due to the evolving nature of the information.