However, the perpetrator has been nabbed by the police.

He was holding children hostage and was involved in a two-hour long standoff with the police.

According to officials, all the hostages are safe now.

Florence county Sheriff Kenney Boone told a press conference that three county sheriff's deputies and four Florence police officers were shot during the standoff.

The deceased has been identified as 52-year-old Terrence Carraway.

He succumbed to his injuries.

Paying his tribute to police officers, US President Donald trump tweeted: "My thoughts and prayers are with the Florence County Sheriff’s Office and the Florence Police Department tonight, in South Carolina. We are forever grateful for what our Law Enforcement Officers do 24/7/365."

Image: twitter.com/ODMP