Illinois State Police trooper Nicholas Hopkins, age 33, was shot and killed in the line of duty while serving a search warrant Friday August 23, 2019 just before 5:30 a.m.
He is the fourth state trooper to die in the line of duty in 2019 and the second Illinois state trooper to be shot while serving a warrant in a period of eight days.
Hopkins and other troopers were attempting to serve a warrant at a residence in the block of 1400 North 42nd Street and Caseyville Avenue when Hopkins was struck during an exchange of gunfire at the home.
Hopkins was rushed to St. Louis University Hospital where he was treated in the emergency department. After almost 12 hours suffering while being wound, he was pronounced dead at 6:10 p.m. Friday.
Three people at the home on 42nd Street were taken into police custody. One person had barricaded themselves in the residence. Investigation is ongoing. Late Friday night, the Illinois State Police declared there was no threat to public safety concerning the home where Hopkins was shot.
Illinois State Police (ISP) Acting Director Brendan Kelly said Hopkins was an organ donor and that, even in death, he would continue to help and serve the public. Up to 40 people would be the recipients of organs from the fallen state trooper.
Brendan Kelly said the death of Nicholas Hopkins is the first loss of an ISP SWAT officer in nearly 20 years. The Illinois State Police has lost more troopers in 2019 than any other year in its history.
Kelly thanked all law enforcement, emergency personnel, and medical personnel.
“In particular, I give my thanks to the troopers who performed CPR for an extended period on their fellow trooper to sustain their brother’s life so that his family could see him one last time.”
— Brendan Kelly, ISP
“We were deeply saddened to learn that Trooper Nick Hopkins will not survive the senseless act of violence he suffered in the line of duty earlier this morning. The entire federal law enforcement community stands as one today to mourn his passing. Our hearts go out to his family and all those who are grieving his loss. We also condemn in the strongest possible terms the despicable, cowardly act that took his life.
“Trooper Hopkins was a dedicated officer who served our community with honor, bravery, and fidelity. He leaves behind an enduring legacy that will live on in the lives he touched; in the work that the courageous men and women of the Illinois State Police continue to perform; and in a community that is safer because of his devoted service. His loss underscores the real dangers that are routinely faced by those who protect and serve us each and every day. Their work is truly heroic, and we are forever in their debt.”
— Steven D. Weinhoeft, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois
Hopkins, of Waterloo, Illinois, began serving with Illinois State Police about 10 years ago. Hopkins was married and the father of 4-year-old twins and an infant daughter.
Do not be fooled by FAKE fundraising accounts being set up to honor our fallen Trooper Nick Hopkins. Scammers are already trying to prey on people.
We will announce any reputable links once they are vetted through the family.
— Illinois State Police
St. Louis BackStoppers — an organization that provides financial assistance for survivors of police officers, firefighters, and EMT/Paramedics who have lost their lives in the line of duty — issued a statement late Friday afternoon that Hopkins’ family would receive a check to help with immediate expenses and assurances of further help. Representatives with St. Louis BackStoppers will meet with Hopkins’ wife in the coming weeks to discuss the family’s other financial obligations.
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