On July 17, 2016, Matthew Lane Gerald was ambushed and killed. Authorities had received a call about Gavin Long, who was spotted walking around with a rifle as he scouted for police officers to shoot. When Matthew and others arrived to investigate, Gavin attacked them, killing Matthew and two others, and shooting three more. One of Gavin's neighbors described him as "just an average guy" and said "you never know what it could be that would push someone... right over the edge." But Gavin had a history with black separatist movements such as the Nation of Islam and "Moorish" groups, and had complained about "crackers" in online videos he posted before the attack. Matthew had just celebrated his fourth wedding anniversary. He left behind two daughters, and shortly after his funeral, his wife discovered that she was pregnant with Matthew's first and only son.