GREENSBORO, N.C. — A Greensboro police officer was shot and killed Monday morning inside a Food Lion on Lawndale Drive, GPD confirmed in a press conference.
Officer Michael Horan responded to a call of a man with a firearm inside the Food Lion.
Horan was shot and killed inside the store at around 11 a.m., police said.
Police are still investigating the circumstances of what led up to the shooting.
A suspect is in custody, police said, and there is no threat to the public. However, police did not release any suspect information.
The State Bureau of Investigations is leading the investigation of this case.
“To put it simply, we’re heartbroken,” said Greensboro City Manager, Trey Davis. “I want to express my love and my support for the Greensboro police family, a family that I served along with for 17 years before stepping into this role. This is truly a family, but a family that has been tested today.”
Horan was described as a husband, father, son and friend. Police said he was an excellent officer with an outstanding reputation. He was hired by the department in Sept. 2017 and became a sworn GPD officer in early 2018.
Before GPD, Horan served 18 years with the Coast Guard. Part of his service included NYC and DC 9/11 harbor defense operations after the attacks.
Horan was part of the first Coast Guard Counter-Terrorism unit in Seattle. He conducted counter-terror, counter-narcotics and counter human trafficking missions across 5 states.
He received a lifesaving award for rescuing a father and son from rip-currents while on vacation with his family in Emerald Isle, according to GPD.
A Food Lion spokesperson released the following statement regarding Horan’s death:
“Food Lion is deeply saddened by the tragedy that occurred at our store located at 4709 Lawndale Drive, Greensboro. We express our deepest condolences to the officer’s family and friends.
As this is an active investigation, we are directing all questions to local law enforcement. Food Lion is cooperating with authorities and the store will remain closed while the police investigation continues.
We are providing resources to support our associates during this difficult time.”
Greensboro Mayor Nancy Vaughan posted the following statement to her Facebook page:
“My thoughts are with the family, friends, and loved ones of Officer Michael Horan during this incredibly difficult and painful time. We are committed to offering all the support, resources, and assistance they need in the coming days.
My sympathy extends to all of our first responders — Greensboro Police, Greensboro Fire, and Guilford Metro 911 — as they mourn the loss of a colleague and a friend. This tragedy affects not only those who knew Officer Horan personally, but our entire City. We have lost someone who served with distinction, and his dedication to keeping our community safe is a loss that resonates with all of us.
The Greensboro Police Department will continue to provide updates as appropriate, and we ask that you respect the privacy of Officer Horan’s family and our officers during this time of mourning.
This is an incredibly difficult time for our department. However, we are deeply grateful for the outpouring of support from the community. We will stand strong together as we honor Officer Horan’s legacy. GPD continues to serve with the same dedication he demonstrated every day.”
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