Baton Rouge police shooting: What we know

Three police officers have been shot dead in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Here is what we know so far.

  • What happened?

On Sunday morning, a gunman killed three police officers and injured three others in Baton Rouge, Louisiana's capital.

Witnesses described the gunman as having his face covered and wearing black when he started "shooting indiscriminately".

Officers were allegedly lured to the scene by reports of gunfire around 9am.

After an exchange of bullets, Long was shot to death by police who had converged on him.

Police eventually converged on and shot the gunman Credit: Reuters

  • Who was the gunman?

The gunman has been named as 29-year-old Gavin Long, and was a former soldier with the Marine Corps, according to a US government official.

Long, who celebrated his birthday on the day of the attack, rose to the rank of sergeant during his years of service from August 2005 to August 2010.

He was deployed to Iraq from June 2008 to January 2009, and left the Marines with an honourable discharg and a number of service medals - including one for good conduct.

Long, from Kansas, Missouri, divorced his wife in 2011, according to court papers.

  • Who were the victims?

Montrell Jackson, 32, was father to a new-born sorn Credit: NBC

Montrell Jackson, 32, was married to Trenisha and had a four-month-old son.

A 10-year veteran, Mr Jackson described on Facebook just days before his death the struggle of being a black man and a police officer.

Matthew Gerald, 41, and his wife had two children Credit: Facebook/Dechia Gerald

Matthew Gerald, 41, was a father-of-two who had only been part of the police force for one year, having served in the Marines and US army.

Mr Gerald completely three tours of Iraq.

Brad Garafola, 45 Credit: East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office

Brad Garafola, 45, had four children aged between seven and 21.

Mr Garafola had 24 years of experience working with the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office

  • What has been the reaction?

President Obama called on Americans to pull together Credit: PA

Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton were both quick to condemn the attack.

President Obama called on Americans to pull together, "regardless of race or political party", while Mrs Clinton said the attack was a "devastating assault on all of us".

During an emotional press conference, one Baton Rouge officer said: "Until we come together as a nation and a people, to heal as a people - if we don't do that and this madness continues - we will surely perish as a people".

Officers embrace after an emotional press conference Credit: Reuters