WakeMed shooting update: NC officials, governor mourn WakeMed officer killed; suspect also shot in ER scuffle

GARNER, N.C. (WNCN) — Support and prayers are pouring into the WakeMed Garner community as the investigation continues into the deadly WakeMed shooting on Saturday morning that took the life of an on-duty officer.

The world of law enforcement and first responders in North Carolina is in disbelief after 59-year-old WakeMed police officer Roger Smith was gunned down 9 a.m. Saturday in “a struggle” with 29-year-old Benji Martin Jr., according to investigators, in the emergency department of WakeMed Garner Healthplex.

The Garner Police Department delivered an update Sunday afternoon during their active investigation.

Shooting suspect was also shot; recovering in hospital

Investigators said Martin, who was taken into custody that morning, was also hit by gunfire in the struggle at the ER. He remains under medical supervision by the authorities.

“The suspect in the shooting, identified as Benji Martin Jr., was transported to the hospital following the incident with injuries consistent with a gunshot wound sustained during the struggle inside the hospital lobby,” said a spokesperson with investigators. “The circumstances surrounding these injuries remain under active investigation.”

Police said once he is released from the hospital, Martin will be transported to the Wake County Detention Center.

“Medical personnel at the scene described Officer Smith as a hero whose actions likely prevented further loss of life. His courage and selfless service exemplified the highest ideals of law enforcement,” a Garner Police Department news release said on Saturday.

NC mourns the fallen WakeMed officer

Smith served as a WakeMed Camp Police officer for 14 years, and before that served as an officer for the Knightdale Police Department for 16 years. He was a graduate of Wake Tech Community College.

On Sunday, Chip Hawley, the director of the North Carolina SBI, said Smith was a “true hero.”

“I want to acknowledge that Officer Smith is a true hero. Had it not been for his heroic efforts to neutralize the threat, there could have been many more citizens injured or killed. I want to express my profound gratitude to Officer Smith, as his actions undoubtedly saved numerous lives in that emergency room,” Hawley wrote on the SBI Facebook page.

Meanwhile, words of sorrow, support and testimony have been shared by agencies across North Carolina as many grieve the loss of Officer Smith — including state leaders such as Gov. Josh Stein and Attorney General Jeff Jackson.

“My heart goes out to the family of Officer Roger Smith, who was killed protecting patients and their families,” said Governor Stein on Facebook. “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.”

AG Jackson took to X/Twitter to voice his support for the investigation of Smith’s murder.

Numerous sheriff’s offices and police departments shared their sentiments about the deadly shooting, within and beyond the Triangle. Included among them was his former department in Knightdale.

“The Knightdale Police Department extends its deepest sympathies to Roger’s family and to our colleagues at the Wake Med Police Department. Roger, we love you and you will be missed.”

The procession, including Triangle law enforcement

Following the procession Saturday afternoon, statements from agencies involved surfaced on the web.

“We stand with our brothers and sisters in blue at WakeMed Police Department during this heartbreaking time,” the Raleigh Police Department said. “Please keep Officer Smith’s loved ones and his department in your thoughts and prayers.”

In addition to the Raleigh Police Department, the Wake County Sheriff’s Office, Knightdale Police and Raleigh Fire departments followed police on I-440 to the coroner’s office.

“Please keep Officer Smith’s family and the entire WakeMed team in your thoughts and prayers,” the Wake County Sheriff’s Office said. “Though he did not wear a WCSO uniform, he will always be a part of our first responder family.”

Stopping traffic on I-440 was the State Highway Patrol. They also took to Facebook to send their condolences.

“Officer Smith died in the line of duty today in service and protection of others, and such an immeasurable sacrifice must resonate in all that we do in our law enforcement profession,” said Colonel Freddy L. Johnson Jr., commander of the State Highway Patrol. “The Patrol Family mourns with the loved ones, community members and colleagues of Officer Smith. We as members of the law enforcement profession owe it to our fallen heroes to uphold the ideals by which they honorably served.”

WakeMed Hospitals told CBS 17 on Saturday that they have additional staff and counselors on-site at WakeMed Garner Healthplex to support those impacted by the shooting. “Officer Smith lost his life while protecting the lives of others – and we will forever remember and honor his memory,” the hospital said on Facebook.

The fatal incident remains under investigation by the Garner Police Department and WakeMed Campus Police.