Governor Tate Reeves is calling for flags across the Magnolia State to be flown at half-staff in honor of the Madison police officer who was killed in the line of duty last week.
Reeves issued an executive order on Thursday morning, requiring all flags to be flown at half-staff until sundown on Friday.
“Chief Randy Tyler’s courage will always be remembered and his sacrifice will never be forgotten,” Reeves said. “I’ve proclaimed a day of mourning and ordered all flags to be flown at half-staff.”
Randy Tyler, 64, received fatal injuries resulting in his death during a standoff-turned-shootout located in the Crossgates neighborhood in Brandon on Thursday, June 1.
Gabriel Matthew Wilson, 22, reportedly broke into his ex-girlfriend’s home around 1:20 a.m., holding her and another unidentified female hostage. One of the females was able to escape shortly after authorities arrived. However, the other victim remained held hostage.
Wilson began firing shots at police, resulting in the injury of a Brandon police officer, who has since been released from the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Hours later, police convinced the subject to release the second woman from the home.
Wilson stayed barricaded inside the residence with unknown injuries until Tyler entered the home. Upon shots being fired, both Tyler and the suspect received fatal injuries, ending the standoff around 10 a.m.
Tyler — who previously held the position of Ridgeland Police Chief until he retired in 2015 — served in law enforcement for over three decades and with the Ridgeland PD for 27 years.
Visitation for Tyler will be held Thursday, June 8 in a private event at Natchez Trace Funeral Home in Madison. His funeral will be Friday at Parkway Pentecostal Church for family, invited friends, and law enforcement. The burial will follow at Natchez Trace Cemetery.
Police officer killed in Brandon standoff to be laid to rest Friday
