Sheriff Luna provides an update on the deputy’s murder in Palmdale
PALMDALE, Calif. — A Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy was shot and killed in Palmdale Saturday evening in what Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna described as an ambush.
At a news conference Saturday evening, Sheriff Luna said the accident occurred around 6 p.m. near the intersection of Sierra Street and Q Street. The sheriff said the slain deputy was Ryan Klinkenbrumer, 30.
According to the LASD, he was assigned to the department’s Palmdale Station, starting in 2018 and served as a field training officer for approximately two years. Luna said Klinkenbrumer was on duty and was found shot and unconscious inside his patrol car by a passing good Samaritan who summoned him. Responding deputies transported Klinkenbrumer to Antelope Valley Medical Center.
According to Al-Sharif, medical teams were unable to save the deputy, who died of his wounds. Luna said that Klinkenbrumer had just gotten engaged four days before his death. The sheriff added that he comes from a family filled with generations of LASD deputies, including his father and grandfather.
“He embodied the values of courage, selflessness and an absolute commitment to justice,” Luna said. “Our deputy was a devoted family member, a treasured member of our community, and he was cowardly shot while working tirelessly to serve our community. Our thoughts are certainly with his family.”
I want to let our community know that Representative Klinkenbrummer left his family tonight to serve our community. He put it all on the line to serve us. He was wearing a uniform like everyone else @LASDHQ Wearing deputies, driving a police car, he was senselessly murdered tonight. pic.twitter.com/Jqc2sSB63c
– Robert Luna (LACoSheriff) September 17, 2023
“We need your help finding whoever killed our deputy,” Luna pleaded with the crowd. “Somebody knows something. Someone saw something. We need to get them off the streets before they hurt anyone else in the community or another deputy or sheriff or police officer.”
The sheriff added that there was no suspicious information available, but said investigators believe the shooting may have been a targeted act. Luna noted that investigators also believe the shooting may have been captured on the surveillance video they are investigating.
Rep. Ryan Klinkenbrumer leaves behind his fiancée, parents and grandparents.
No further details were revealed. Anyone with information is asked to call LASD at 323-890-5500. Anonymous tips can be submitted to LA Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at lacrimestoppers.org.
to update:
SACRAMENTO – Gov. Gavin Newsom and Acting Gov. Eleni Kounalakis on Sunday issued the following statement regarding the death of Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy Ryan Klinkenbrumer:
“On behalf of all Californians, we mourn the horrific, unconscionable and shocking loss of Rep. Ryan Klinkenbrumer – a third-generation law enforcement officer whose commitment to service and justice represents the best of the Golden State.”
“Representative Klinkenbrumer faithfully served his community, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather – establishing a lasting legacy that will stand tall forever.
“In this time of mourning, we honor this legacy and send our deepest condolences to Deputy Klinkenbrumer’s fiancée, his loved ones, and the men and women of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
“Representative Klinkenbrumer’s devotion to community and country will never be forgotten.”
Deputy Klinkenbrumer, 30, was fatally shot while on patrol outside the Palmdale station in Los Angeles County on September 16, 2023.
He served with the Los Angeles County Police Department for eight years. Rep. Klinkenbrumer is survived by his fiancée, mother and father.
In honor of Rep. Klinkenbrummer, flags will be flown at half-mast at the Capitol and the Capitol Annex at Swing Space.
