Tragedy struck a North Carolina hospital early Saturday morning when a police officer was fatally shot in the emergency room. WakeMed Hospital officials confirmed the heartbreaking news to Fox News Digital, identifying the fallen officer as Roger Smith, a member of the WakeMed Campus Police. The shooting occurred at the WakeMed Garner Healthplex around 9 a.m., leaving the hospital community in mourning.

Officer Smith was on duty in the emergency department lobby when a confrontation erupted, resulting in his fatal injuries. WakeMed released a heartfelt statement expressing their profound grief over the loss, stating, “The Campus Police officer was working in the emergency department lobby of the WakeMed Garner Healthplex at the time and a struggle ensued. Officer Roger Smith succumbed to the injuries sustained.” The hospital extended their deepest condolences to the Smith family as they grapple with this devastating event.

Hours following the incident, authorities apprehended the suspect, Benji Martin Jr., 29, who now faces charges in connection with Officer Smith’s murder. The Garner Police Department confirmed these developments to Fox News Digital, ensuring that justice is being pursued for this senseless act of violence. The community is left to mourn the loss of a dedicated officer who lost his life in the line of duty.

The statement said: “Our thoughts and prayers are now with the Smith family as they come to learn of this tragic event.”

A police officer was shot and killed in the line of duty in an emergency room in North Carolina Saturday morning, hospital officials confirmed to Fox News Digital. (Google Maps)

A suspect, identified as Benji Martin Jr., 29, was arrested hours later and charged in his murder, the Garner Police Department confirmed to Fox News Digital. 

The hospital commended the Garner Healthplex Emergency Department staff “for their heroic and quick response to this incident.”

The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and the Garner Police Department are leading the investigation, which is standard in police-related shootings.

“The WakeMed family is coming together to respond to and process this tragic event,” the statement concluded. “Additional staff and counselors are on-site to support our Garner ED and Campus Police teams.”

The hospital commended the Garner Healthplex Emergency Department staff “for their heroic and quick response to this incident.” (Google Maps)

North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein wrote in a social media post Saturday that his “heart goes out to the family of Officer Roger Smith, who was killed protecting patients and their families.”

He added, “Law enforcement officers put themselves in harm’s way to keep us safe, and we are forever grateful for Officer Smith’s sacrifice. Please pray for his family and the entire WakeMed community in their time of need.”

The FBI’s Charlotte field office also offered its “sincere condolences to our law enforcement partners” in a social post mourning the loss of Smith.

“This is a heartbreaking and senseless act of violence,” Garner Police Chief Adams said in a statement shared with Fox News Digital. “Officer Smith dedicated his career to protecting others, and even in his final moments, he put the safety of others before his own. Our condolences go out to the Smith family, the WakeMed Campus Police Department, and the entire WakeMed staff. The Garner community mourns alongside you today.”