From Fox News: A Florida sheriff’s deputy was killed in the line of duty while serving an eviction notice Friday morning, officials said.
“It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Deputy Terri Sweeting-Mashkow, who was killed in the line of duty on November 21st, 2025 while faithfully serving our community,” the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office in Vero Beach wrote on its social media Friday afternoon.
“Her loss is felt deeply by every member of our agency, as well as by the community she served with pride.”
Sweeting-Mashkow, 47, served with the sheriff’s department for 25 years and 16 days, Sheriff Eric Flowers said at a news conference.
“What an awful day. Six days before Thanksgiving,” Flowers said in a press briefing, adding, “I’m heartbroken. I’ve worked my entire career with Terri.”
Multiple deputies, including Sweeting-Mashkow, and a locksmith, had gone to a home in a Vero Beach gated community, where a mother was evicting her son, identified as Michael Halberstam, 37.
As the deputies approached the entryway of the home, Halberstam grabbed a gun and started firing at them, killing Sweeting-Mashkow. Another deputy was shot in the shoulder, but is recovering, and the locksmith is in critical condition after being shot as well.
Deputies fired back, striking Halberstam, who is now also in critical condition.
Sheriff Flowers said the department had received seven calls this month, mostly from Halberstam’s mother, about him at the residence, which prompted her to finally decide to evict him.
Below is Sheriff Flowers’ full remarks:
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