COLUMBUS, Ohio — Several state and city leaders have offered their condolences to the family and friends of the Cleveland officer who was shot and killed in the line of duty early Thursday morning.
Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb said he is heartbroken about the devastating loss of a Cleveland Division of Police officer.
“Our entire city mourns the tragic loss of this dedicated public servant,” Bibb said in a statement.
The shooting happened around 1 a.m. at East 80th Street in Cleveland. Officers were called to the area on a report of a man who was wanted for felonious assault.
Cleveland Police Chief Annie Todd said officers attempted to confront 24-year-old De'Lawnte Hardy, but he got out of the house and tried to leave the area on a bicycle. Officers then attempted to arrest Hardy. He brought out a firearm and fired it multiple times.
One of the bullets hit Officer Jamieson Ritter, according to Chief Todd. He was taken to a hospital where he later died.
Ritter, 27, was a four-year veteran of the department.
Before his time in Cleveland, Ritter graduated from Syracuse University in 2019 and was a member of the Army National Guard. After joining Cleveland police in 2020, Ritter was deployed to Syria in 2022. He returned to Cleveland a year later.
"Today is a sad day for our city," said Chief Todd. "Ironically, on this day designated for freedom, we are reminded of the evil that tries to impose on our community. However, despite our pain and hurt, we take in the immense sacrifice Officer Ritter gave, and we will honor his memory and compassion. We will continue to carry his legacy in our hearts."
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and his wife Fran also offered condolences to those who knew Ritter. DeWine ordered that flags of the United States and the State of Ohio be flown at half-staff at all public buildings and grounds in Cuyahoga County and the state buildings in Columbus until sunset on the day of his funeral.
"Fran and I offer our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Cleveland Police Officer Jamieson Ritter, who not only dedicated his life to protecting the citizens of Cleveland but also served his state and nation as a member of the Ohio National Guard," DeWine said. "On this Independence Day, this tragedy is a painful reminder of the sacrifices our law enforcement and military members make in support of freedom and public safety."
Attorney General Dave Yost called Ritter a “selfless hero who served his community with favor and dedicated his life to restraining evil.”
“The loss of an officer on a day when we celebrate the many freedoms of our country is a cruel reminder of the price paid for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to keep our communities safe. My deepest condolences are with Officer Ritter’s loved ones and the Cleveland Police Department,” Yost said in a statement.