A hospital police officer was shot and killed while on duty in the emergency department lobby of a North Carolina medical facility Saturday morning, authorities confirmed. The incident resulted in murder charges against a suspect who was also injured during the encounter.
WakeMed Campus Police Officer Roger Smith, 59, was working at the WakeMed Garner Healthplex in Garner, just outside of Raleigh, when he was shot around 9 a.m. on Saturday, November 8, 2025, according to Garner police. Smith died from his injuries despite immediate life-saving efforts by medical staff at the scene.
Benji Martin Jr., 29, of Garner, has been charged with murder in connection with Smith’s death. According to authorities, Martin was also shot during the struggle inside the hospital lobby and required hospitalization for his gunshot wound. He remains in custody under medical supervision and will be transferred to Wake County Detention Center upon his release from the hospital.
Garner Police Chief Chris Adams described the incident as a heartbreaking and senseless act of violence. “Officer Smith dedicated his career to protecting others, and even in his final moments, he put the safety of others before his own,” Adams said in a statement. “Our condolences go out to the Smith family, the WakeMed Campus Police Department, and the entire WakeMed staff. The Garner community mourns alongside you today.”
Medical personnel at the scene praised Smith’s actions during the deadly encounter. Garner police officials stated that medical staff described Officer Smith as a hero whose actions likely prevented further loss of life. The officer’s quick response to the threat may have saved numerous lives in the busy emergency room.
Smith, who was from Knightdale, had extensive experience in law enforcement. Reports indicate he worked with the Knightdale Police Department from 1997 to 2013 before joining WakeMed. Sources indicate he served approximately 14 years in public safety at WakeMed.
The Knightdale Police Department released a statement mourning the loss of their former colleague, describing Smith as a local hero and long-time Knightdale resident who was tragically killed in the line of duty.
North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein expressed his condolences on social media following the shooting. “My heart goes out to the family of Officer Roger Smith, who was killed protecting patients and their families,” Stein wrote. “Law enforcement officers put themselves in harm’s way to keep us safe, and we are forever grateful for Officer Smith’s sacrifice. Please pray for his family and the entire WakeMed community in their time of need.”
A procession honoring Smith was held Saturday afternoon, beginning at WakeMed and traveling to the North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Raleigh. Between 60 and 100 law enforcement and fire vehicles participated in the procession.
WakeMed Health and Hospitals expressed gratitude to the emergency department staff for their response to the incident. Hospital leadership is working with the State Bureau of Investigation and the Garner Police Department on the investigation, which is standard procedure for police-related shootings.
Lindsay Licausi, founder of the nonprofit Back the Blue NC, is raising money for Smith’s family. He explained that the man had been looking after his elderly mother, and expressed concern about who would take on that responsibility now. Licausi also wondered whether she has any medical needs and if financial contributions might help address them.
The hospital system has made additional staff and counselors available on-site to support the Garner emergency department and campus police teams as they process the loss of their colleague. The emergency department lobby remained inaccessible following the incident but reopened Saturday evening.
The investigation into what led to the struggle and shooting remains ongoing. The State Bureau of Investigation is assisting Garner police as they work to piece together the events that preceded the deadly encounter. A motive for the shooting has not been disclosed.