Lorain Police Officer Dies After Ambush; Fellow Officer Insists on Viewing Procession After Surgery
Lorain, OH – Officer Phillip Wagner of the Lorain Police Department died on Thursday, July 24, 2025, after being shot in an ambush attack the previous day. Despite undergoing surgery for his own injuries, Officer Brent Payne insisted on being present to watch Officer Wagner's procession from the hospital.
Details of the Ambush
On Wednesday, July 23, 2025, Officers Wagner and Peter Gale were ambushed while having lunch in their patrol vehicles. The suspect, Michael Parker, opened fire with multiple weapons. Parker was later pronounced dead at the scene.
Injuries to Fellow Officers
In addition to Officer Wagner's fatal injuries, Officer Brent Payne was shot multiple times while responding to the initial calls for help. Officer Payne underwent several hours of surgery on Thursday. Officer Peter Gale was shot in the hand and taken to Mercy Health – Lorain Hospital.
Officer Payne's Display of Solidarity
Despite his serious injuries and surgery, Officer Payne insisted on being brought to watch the procession of Officer Wagner's body from the hospital. He was propped up in a chair to pay his respects as the flag-draped gurney passed by.
Community Vigil and Support
Following Officer Wagner's death, a candlelight vigil was held outside Lorain City Hall. Members of the community gathered to show their support for the Lorain Police Department and the fallen officer. Tributes and memorials have also begun to appear outside the police department.
Official Statements and Condolences
Acting Lorain Police Chief Michael Failing stated, "Officer Wagner's life and service to our city will never be forgotten." Governor Mike DeWine ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of Officer Wagner. U.S. Senator Jon Husted and Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne also expressed their condolences and support.
Remembering Officer Phillip Wagner
Officer Phillip Wagner, 35, joined the Lorain Police Department in February 2022. He was a former United States Marine and previously worked for the Sheffield Village Police Department. He had recently earned his SWAT pin.
Statements from Key Figures
Lorain Safety Director Rey Carrion said, "We are here today in an incredible moment of grief, but also in a moment of unity...we stand behind them and that we love them, and that we are praying for them now and always so they can continue with their mission of doing a job that very little people choose to do."
Fraternal Order of Police's Response
The Fraternal Order of Police's Lorain Lodge No. 3 released a statement saying, "The men and women of the Lorain Police Department are overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and support from our community."
Fundraising Efforts
Officer Wagner's sister-in-law, Kasie Tillman, has created a GoFundMe to "organize some donations that people are so generously pouring out to my sister."
Outpouring of Grief and Support
The ambush has been widely condemned, and there has been a significant outpouring of grief and support for the Lorain Police Department from the community and state leaders.
Community Rallies to Support Fallen Officer Wagner
Organizations and businesses are launching fundraisers to support the officers and their families, highlighting the dangers faced by law enforcement officers daily.
