LAS VEGAS, NV — The Las Vegas community gathered Friday morning to pay final respects to Metropolitan Police Officer Austin Abdelnabi, 30, after he was shot and killed near Mountain Vista Street and Hacienda Avenue.
Sheriff Kevin McMahill described the shooting as an ambush, and Undersheriff Andrew Walsh said Abdelnabi did not fire his service weapon during the encounter. The officer is survived by his wife, Sage, his parents and three siblings.
Procession route carried Abdelnabi through Las Vegas before ending at Central Church
The funeral procession began about 9 a.m. Friday at Palm Mortuary on South Jones Boulevard. From there, the route moved through Jones Boulevard, onto I-11 south, then southbound on I-15.
It later exited at Sahara Avenue, turned onto Las Vegas Boulevard and continued toward I-215 east before ending at Central Church on New Beginnings Drive, where the memorial service was held.
State and department honors marked the day of remembrance
Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo ordered flags lowered to half-staff Friday in Abdelnabi’s honor. In a statement, Lombardo said the officer made the ultimate sacrifice while serving his community and country.
The governor also said Nevada would remember Abdelnabi’s courage and continue supporting his family and fellow officers. The tribute came as law enforcement and community members gathered to mourn his death.
Speakers remembered Abdelnabi as an officer, Marine and close friend
The memorial service included remarks from pastor Michael Kitchen, followed by speakers who knew Abdelnabi, including fellow officers Jeffrey Ocampo and Jonah Singer. Singer said Abdelnabi connected easily with people and had empathy for everyone he met.
Dallas Little, Abdelnabi’s best friend, recalled their bond dating back through his Marine service and said his determination inspired him. McMahill also spoke about the immediate shock surrounding Abdelnabi’s death and the pain felt by his wife when she was told he did not survive.
Service closed with 21-gun salute and End of Watch broadcast
Abdelnabi’s brother Ryan ended the service with a personal remembrance, saying he wanted one more ordinary conversation with his brother rather than a public tribute to his career.
The ceremony concluded with a 21-gun salute and an official End of Watch broadcast, closing a day of public mourning for the fallen officer.
From the Twin Cities to the border and back, Travel Your Way keeps Minnesota informed.