A police officer working hospital security was fatally shot inside a North Carolina emergency room Saturday morning, leaving the community shocked and outraged at this senseless act of violence.

According to ABC News, a 59-year-old WakeMed campus police officer was killed by gunfire inside an emergency department lobby in Garner, North Carolina, with a 29-year-old local man was arrested and charged with murder.

Officer Roger Smith, assigned to the WakeMed Garner Healthplex just outside Raleigh, was performing his duty when he was gunned down around 9 a.m., according to police.

Officer Slain While Protecting the Public

Law enforcement confirmed that Smith died from his injuries on site, as medics responded to the emergency inside what’s supposed to be a place of healing — not another crime scene.

The alleged shooter, Benji Martin Jr., a 29-year-old from the same town, is now in custody and facing a murder charge for this tragic killing. Details leading up to the shooting have not been provided by officials. What is crystal clear, however, is that Officer Smith was heroically attempting to protect others even at grave personal risk.

Law Enforcement Mourns a Fallen Brother

Medical staff who witnessed the incident described Officer Smith as someone whose courage may have prevented additional casualties. "Medical personnel at the scene described Officer Smith as a hero whose actions likely prevented further loss of life," the Garner Police Department reported.

It’s a line you only hear when someone truly gives everything — and Officer Smith did exactly that. Even in his final moments, he upheld the badge, while others would have understandably chosen flight over fight.

Garner Police Chief Chris Adams echoed that high praise, saying, "Officer Smith dedicated his career to protecting others, and even in his final moments, he put the safety of others before his own."

A Community Left Reeling From the Loss

Chief Adams also offered condolences on behalf of the department, noting, "Our condolences go out to the Smith family, the WakeMed Campus Police Department, and the entire WakeMed staff."

Too often, our police are taken for granted until tragedy strikes. It’s easy to forget that their job doesn’t stop when the badge goes on — in fact, that’s when the danger begins. This wasn’t another statistic or a bureaucratic misstep — it was a targeted, deadly act that took the life of a man sworn to protect the innocent inside a medical facility.

Governor Acknowledges Officer’s Sacrifice

North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein weighed in, underscoring what should be an obvious reality: law enforcement officers knowingly put themselves at risk daily, often without thanks or even respect from some corners.

"Smith was 'protecting patients and their families' when he was killed," the governor said, adding that “we are forever grateful for Officer Smith's sacrifice." He called for prayers for the family and WakeMed staff during this tragic time, which, while appreciated, only scratches the surface of what’s owed to a man like Officer Smith.

Silence from the “Defund” Crowd

One has to wonder where the loud anti-police protestors are now — when real bravery is on display, it's usually silence from those who paint all officers with the same brush. Officer Roger Smith wasn’t driving through neighborhoods or executing warrants — he was protecting a hospital. And because of his commitment, others are alive today.

At 59 years old, he wasn’t chasing glory or making headlines. He was doing his job — until a violent man decided to end his life.