EAST SAINT LOUIS, Ill. (WTVO/WQRF) – An Illinois State Trooper is shot and killed in the line of duty.

Early Friday morning, Trooper Nicholas Hopkins and other officers were executing a search warrant at a home in East Saint Louis. State Police say there was an exchange of gunfire. The 33-year-old Hopkins was taken to a local hospital, but died from his injuries Friday evening.

“It is with profound heartache and unfathomable sadness that we inform you of the death of Trooper Nicholas Hopkins,” said Illinois State Police Acting Director Brendan Kelly. “Trooper Hopkins laid down his life while protecting the citizens of this state. We are asking the public to respectfully give consideration to the family of Trooper Hopkins and the ISP while we continue to grieve and work through this tragedy.”

Three people at the home were arrested. No charges have been announced.

Trooper Hopkins was a 10 year veteran of the Illinois State Police. He was a native of Waterloo, Illinois. He was married and the father of 4-year-old twins and an infant daughter.

His death marks the fourth State Trooper to die in the line of duty in 2019.