A heroic campus police officer was gunned down while protecting patients and families in a North Carolina hospital lobby, making the ultimate sacrifice to prevent further bloodshed in what should have been a place of healing.
Story Overview
- WakeMed campus officer Roger Smith, 59, was fatally shot at the Garner Healthplex emergency department on Saturday morning.
- Benji Martin Jr., 29, has been charged with murder in the line-of-duty killing.
- Medical personnel confirmed Officer Smith’s heroic actions prevented additional casualties.
- The veteran officer dedicated his final moments to protecting innocent lives over his own safety.
Hero Officer Makes Ultimate Sacrifice
Officer Roger Smith, a 59-year-old veteran of the WakeMed Campus Police Department, was fatally shot around 9 a.m. while working in the emergency department lobby of WakeMed Garner Healthplex.
The hospital facility, located in Garner just outside Raleigh, became the scene of tragedy when Smith encountered a deadly threat. Medical personnel at the scene immediately recognized Smith’s courageous response, describing him as a hero whose quick actions likely saved multiple lives during the dangerous encounter.
Officer Roger Smith, 59, WakeMed campus police officer shot and killed Sat morning at WakeMed Garner Healthplex emergency department lobby after a "struggle." Worked for Knightdale PD 1997-2013. With WakeMed 10+ years.
Benji Martin Jr of Garner charged murder.
#NorthCarolina pic.twitter.com/Pc7F5RcfWI— The Last Show- Karen Lee (@thelastshow) November 9, 2025
Suspect Charged with Murder
Benji Martin Jr., a 29-year-old Garner resident, faces murder charges in connection with Officer Smith’s death. The shooting occurred in one of the most vulnerable areas of the hospital, where patients and their families seek emergency medical care.
Garner police have taken Martin into custody, though authorities have not yet released details about the motive behind the attack. The incident highlights the ongoing dangers faced by law enforcement officers, even those working in what should be safe medical environments.
Man charged with murder after NC officer killed in hospital ER shooting https://t.co/pG5TUuPx64
— WPDE ABC15 (@wpdeabc15) November 9, 2025
Community Leaders Honor Fallen Officer
Garner Police Chief Chris Adams praised Officer Smith’s dedication and ultimate sacrifice in an official statement. “Officer Smith dedicated his career to protecting others, and even in his final moments, he put the safety of others before his own,” Adams declared.
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein also honored Smith’s memory through social media, emphasizing that the officer died “protecting patients and their families.” The governor reminded citizens that law enforcement officers consistently risk their lives for public safety, calling for prayers for Smith’s family and the WakeMed community.
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the daily dangers our brave law enforcement officers face while serving their communities.
Officer Smith’s heroic actions exemplify the selfless dedication that defines America’s finest, who stand as the thin blue line between order and chaos, even in our most sacred spaces of healing.
