LAKE COUNTY, Fla. – Reactions are pouring in after a shooting Friday night in the Eustis area that killed a Lake County sheriff’s deputy and left another two deputies shot.
The shooting happened in the area of County Road 439, near Brookside Drive, north of State Road 44. According to Lake County Sheriff Peyton Grinnell, the incident began around 8 p.m. when deputies — while responding to a call off Brookside Drive — were alerted to a problem at a home several doors down. Deputies went to that home and saw a door kicked in, Grinnell said.
“When the deputies entered the home there was a lot of gunfire,” Grinnell said. “One of the deputies was struck. The backup deputy that was there with him was able to retreat out of the home. The first deputy was trapped inside of the home.”
Three deputies were shot and taken to area hospitals. One was sent to AdventHealth Waterman in Tavares while the other two were taken to HCA Florida Lake Monroe Hospital in Sanford.
One of the deputies — identified Saturday as Bradley Michael Link, 28 — died from his injuries, Grinnell said.
Another deputy, identified as 28-year-old Deputy First Class Stefano Gargano was shot in the abdomen area several times and under the arm. Sheriff’s office officials said Gargano underwent surgery overnight and was scheduled for a second surgery on Saturday afternoon. His condition was last listed as critical.
The third deputy was struck in the shoulder and is stable. He was identified as 41-year-old Master Deputy Sheriff Harold Howell who was hired at the sheriff’s office in 2005. Howell has served as a K9 deputy since 2011, officials said.
Grinnell also said two people inside the home were deceased and that another person was transported to a hospital.
[TIMELINE: Deadly shootout injures 2 Lake County deputies, kills a 3rd]
Come Saturday afternoon, an array of statements about the shooting had been made by various state and local officials, as well as governmental bodies and other entities.
This is a sad day in Lake County. We mourn with our community over this terrible tragedy. https://t.co/js7ZDZK6le pic.twitter.com/2FvLCU4XJl
— Lake County Schools (@lakeschools) August 3, 2024
Ann and I are heartbroken to hear about the loss of a Lake County Sheriff's deputy and injury of two others. I just spoke with the Sheriff and told him my family along with every Floridian is keeping the Lake County Sherriff's Office, the victims and their families in our… https://t.co/5gH0Q2zuL8
— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) August 3, 2024
Heartbreaking news out of Lake County. Our deepest condolences and prayers are with the fallen deputy's family and the @LakeCountySO during this extremely difficult time." Praying for a full recovery for the other two deputies that were injured tonight. 🙏🏾
— Chief Jakari Young (@ChiefJakari) August 3, 2024
FHP sends our deepest sympathies and love to @LakeCountySO, Sheriff Peyton Grinnell, friends, family, and the Lake County Community as they process the loss of one of their own.
— FLHSMV (@FLHSMV) August 3, 2024
We send our prayers for the quick recovery of their two deputies, also injured during the senseless… pic.twitter.com/S6p6ZtabVk
Spoke with @LakeCountySO Grinnell.
— Jimmy Patronis (@JimmyPatronis) August 3, 2024
This was a horrific act. My prayers are with the sheriffs’ deputies involved, their families, and everyone at the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.
It’s the good men and women with a badge and gun who keep us safe at night.
Evil is real. https://t.co/b0PRnkFN2h
Three @LakeCountySO Deputies were ambushed last night. One died and two others were injured. I am heartbroken over this terrible attack on these Florida heroes. We are offering our prayers and the full support of the Attorney General’s Office to Sheriff Grinnell, the Lake County…
— AG Ashley Moody (@AGAshleyMoody) August 3, 2024
“Our hearts go out to the family, friends and Lake County Sheriff’s Office after the tragic death of a deputy last night. We pray for them and for a speedy recovery for those injured.” FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass pic.twitter.com/0rSsyJ61ui
— FDLE (@fdlepio) August 3, 2024
A GoFundMe has been set up for Master Deputy Link’s wife and family to help with funeral expenses. If you’d like to donate, it can be found here.
This story will periodically be updated to include further reactions to the shooting as said reactions are made.
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