The man, only described as Asian, pulled up around 3:30 p.m. in a white Bentley wearing a hoodie and carrying what police described as a samurai sword. He entered the lobby of the church and began a confrontation, KTLA reported.
Officers arrived shortly after and a standoff with the man began. He was struck in the head and the officers were shot, although it is unclear how. Investigators have not indicated if the suspect also had a firearm, KTLA reported.
Investigators said the man was taken to a hospital in critical condition and later died, KTLA reported.
One officer was shot in the hand. The other was shot in the forearm. Neither injury is believed to be life-threatening. There were no other reported injuries.
"These officers are doing a heroic job protecting the community and keeping houses of worship safe against hate crimes," the church wrote in a statement. "We have offered our full support to the authorities who are investigating this incident."
No two calls for service are the same, and most bring some inherent danger, but to the men and women that wear a badge, a call for service is a call of duty. The thoughts and prayers of the LAPD are with the 2 injured @Inglewood_PD officers tonight. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon) pic.twitter.com/89M14mXaeZ
— Chief Michel Moore (@LAPDChiefMoore) March 28, 2019
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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