Columbia SC officer killed in park shooting, suspect also dead
Synopsis
For the first time in over 50 years, a Columbia, South Carolina police officer has been killed in the line of duty. Officer Chris DeLong, 29, was shot dead at Southeast Park while responding to a domestic dispute call — a stark reminder of the dangers first responders face and part of a wider pattern of deadly public-space shootings across the United States this month.
Key Takeaways
Officer Chris DeLong , 29 , of the Columbia Police Department was shot and killed at Southeast Park , Columbia, South Carolina on Saturday .
A second officer, David Dymock , was shot and injured but remains in stable condition .
The suspect also died at the scene, according to Police Chief W.H. 'Skip' Holbrook .
The last Columbia officer killed in the line of duty was Lt.
Philip George Schlatterer on 25 July 1974 — more than 50 years ago .
Earlier this month, separate shootings struck a park in Lexington, Kentucky and Virginia State University , injuring multiple people.
Columbia Police Department officer Chris DeLong, 29, was shot and killed in the line of duty on Saturday at Southeast Park on Hazelwood Road in Columbia, South Carolina, after responding to a reported domestic dispute. A second officer, David Dymock, was also shot and injured but remained in stable condition, according to police. The suspect also died at the scene.
What Happened at Southeast Park
Two officers were dispatched to Southeast Park following reports of a domestic dispute when the shooting occurred, Columbia Police Department Chief W.H. 'Skip' Holbrook confirmed at a press conference. The scene was declared secure at approximately 12 p.m. local time, with law enforcement urging the public to avoid the area as investigations continued.
What the Police Chief Said
'Our hearts are broken this evening,' Chief Holbrook said at a news conference Saturday evening. 'Together under the worst circumstances you can possibly imagine, we're deeply hurt.' Holbrook confirmed the identities of both officers and stated that Officer DeLong died after being shot in the line of duty.
A Rare and Historic Loss for Columbia
The last Columbia police officer to be shot and killed in the line of duty was Lieutenant Philip George Schlatterer on 25 July 1974 — more than 50 years ago, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page. Saturday's tragedy marks a grim milestone for the department and the city.
Broader Pattern of Park Shootings Across the US
The Columbia incident is part of a troubling pattern of public-space violence in the United States. Earlier this month, one person was killed and four others injured in a shooting at Charles Young Park in Lexington, Kentucky, according to Lexington Police Chief Lawrence Weathers. The victims included a 4-year-old, a 14-year-old, and two adults, all hospitalised with non-life-threatening injuries. In a separate incident, five people were injured in a shooting at Virginia State University, prompting a temporary campus lockdown.
Investigators continue to work the scene in Columbia. No further details on the suspect's identity or motive have been officially released.
Point of View
And therefore how devastating, this moment is for the department. What the coverage often misses is the compounding effect on officer recruitment and morale in mid-sized American cities, where police departments are already stretched thin. The domestic dispute call — among the most dangerous for first responders — once again proved lethal, raising questions about whether officers have adequate backup protocols for such situations.
NationPress
30 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the officer killed in the Columbia, South Carolina park shooting?
The officer killed was Chris DeLong , 29 , a member of the Columbia Police Department . He was shot in the line of duty while responding to a reported domestic dispute at Southeast Park on Hazelwood Road.
What happened to the suspect in the Columbia park shooting?
The suspect also died at the scene, according to Columbia Police Department Chief W.H. 'Skip' Holbrook . No further details on the suspect's identity have been officially released.
Was any other officer injured in the shooting?
Yes. Officer David Dymock was also shot during the incident but remained in stable condition, according to Chief Holbrook.
When was the last Columbia police officer killed in the line of duty before this incident?
The last Columbia officer killed in the line of duty was Lieutenant Philip George Schlatterer on 25 July 1974 , more than 50 years ago , according to the Officer Down Memorial Page.
Are there other recent park shootings in the US linked to this incident?
While unrelated, two other shootings occurred in public spaces around the same period. One person was killed and four injured at Charles Young Park in Lexington, Kentucky , and five people were injured in a shooting at Virginia State University , which prompted a temporary campus lockdown.
