Whitmer: Lower Flags To Honor Murdered Wayne County Deputy

MICHIGAN — Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags within the State Capitol Complex and on all public buildings and grounds across the state be lowered to half-staff on Thursday to honor Wayne County Sheriff's Deputy Corporal Bryant Searcy, who died Sept. 2 after being attacked by an inmate inside the jail.

“Our state is devastated after hearing about the loss of Corporal Bryant Searcy,” Whitmer said in a news release. “He was a professional who served our state with honor and dignity. My heart goes out to his family and the entire law enforcement community as they deal with his tragic loss.”

Related: Wayne County Deputy's Death To Be Investigated By Detroit PD

Searcy was a member of the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office for 18 years. On Sept. 2, Searcy was patrolling jail cells around 10 p.m. when he was attacked by an inmate. Deputies found Searcy and called for medical assistance, who transported him to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. He is survived by his wife and daughter.

A 28-year-old Detroit man was accused by Wayne County Prosecutors of killing Searcy, and on Wednesday Deandre Williams was arraigned on one count of first-degree premeditated murder, murder of a police officer, felony murder, unarmed robbery and escaping jail through violence.

"It has been almost a week since the horrific murder of Corporal Bryant Searcy and it is still very raw," Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said Wednesday. "Much has been said lately about the dangers that law enforcement officials face every day. This is no exaggeration. This case is a tragic example of this reality."

Related: Jail Inmate Charged With Murder Of Wayne County Sheriff's Deputy

Michigan recognizes the duty, honor and service of Searcy by lowering flags to half-staff, officials said in a news release. Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments and other organizations also are encouraged to display the flag at half-staff as well.