In a tragic incident in Salina, Central New York, two law enforcement officers, Syracuse police officer Michael E. Jensen and sheriff's deputy Lt. Michael Hoosock, were fatally shot by a man who opened fire on them. According to the Onondaga County Sheriff's Office, the gun used by the shooter, identified as Christopher R. Murphy, was illegal.

Tom Newton, spokesperson for the Onondaga County Sheriff's Office, stated that Murphy possessed a Springfield AR-15 gun, which is a lightweight semi-automatic weapon. However, the gun was deemed illegal due to the presence of a 40-round banana clip. In New York state, gun magazines are restricted to hold no more than 10 rounds.

Robert Spitzer, an expert on gun policy and a former professor at SUNY Cortland, explained that banana magazines, with their curved shape and ability to hold up to 30 rounds, are classified as illegal. Additionally, if the magazine was removable from Murphy's AR-15, the entire firearm would also be considered illegal.

It was further revealed that Murphy did not possess a license to own a gun. The investigation into how he obtained the weapon and the gun's registration is still ongoing, according to Newton.

The exact number of shots fired during the incident is yet to be determined. A recorded audio obtained from a nearby residence indicated that the shooting lasted about 10 seconds, with an overwhelming number of shots discharged in rapid succession, making it impossible to accurately count them.

While officers from the Syracuse Police Department responded and engaged in gunfire that night, no deputies discharged their weapons, as confirmed by Newton. Lt. Hoosock had his service pistol with him when he was shot.

The tragic loss of Officer Jensen and Lt. Hoosock has sent shockwaves through the Central New York law enforcement community. Both individuals dedicated their lives to serving and protecting the community, and their sacrifice will be deeply mourned.

Authorities are diligently working to uncover the details surrounding the shooting, including Murphy's acquisition of the illegal firearm and any potential motives behind the attack. As the investigation progresses, the focus turns to enhancing gun policies to prevent similar incidents and protect the safety of law enforcement and citizens alike.