By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2026-08-07 15:22:06 | Updated at 2026-08-07 16:12:34
59 minutes ago
An audience member left the governor of Nevada astonished when he booed the solemn moment intended to honor a police officer who was recently killed.
The stunning moment happened as Governor Joe Lombardo, a Republican, spoke ahead of a Donald Trump rally on Wednesday at the Red Rock Resort on the outskirts of Las Vegas.
When Lombardo tried to introduce a moment of silence for Austin 'Zade' Abdelnabi, the 30-year-old Las Vegas Metropolitan police officer and Marines veteran killed Tuesday in the line of duty, an audience member rapidly erupted into a loud jeer.
'No, no, we're not booing,' Lombardo said. 'We're not booing him. He's the officer that passed away here recently.'
Some chatter seemingly broke out among the crowd, as Lombardo reiterated his desire.
'I would like your indulgence for a moment of silence for Officer Austin,' he said, before his request proceeded as planned.
Abdelnabi was one of the first officers to respond to a report of an intoxicated man who was waving a gun in east Las Vegas near Tropicana Avenue and Mountain Vista Street, according to FOX5.
Sheriff Kevin McMahill said Abdelnabi was ambushed as he was stepping out of his patrol car.
Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo tried to introduce a moment of silence for recently killed police officer Austin 'Zade' Abdelnabi, 30, on Wednesday and was booed by an audience member
South Carolina native Abdelnabi died in the line of duty on Tuesday as he responded to a call involving a person with a gun, according to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
Abdelnabi, pictured left next to his brother Ryan, was rushed to University Medical Center afterwards but succumbed to his injuries
Police officers fired back at the suspect, who has not yet been identified, and killed him.
Multiple officers, who were lauded by McMahill for their 'unbelievable heroism,' then rushed to Abdelnabi's side.
A Clark County Office of Public Safety Sergeant also joined the scene and performed CPR.
Abdelnabi was then rushed to University Medical Center, where he died.
McMahill thanked the 'heroic doctors and nurses at UMC who worked tirelessly to save Austin's life.'
Abdelnabi, a South Carolina native who joined the LVMPD in November 2023, is survived by his wife Sage, his parents, two brothers and a sister.
'Austin was also known for talking about how much he loved his wife, Sage,' McMahill said. 'Yesterday, I had to tell her that Austin was killed doing a job that he loved.'
Abdelnabi (left) was a Marine Corps veteran who was previously stationed at Camp Pendleton and awarded the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, police said
Abdelnabi (center) was also a .50 caliber machine gunner for his second deployment, according to the LVMPD (Photo via News3)
One of his brothers, Ryan Abdelnabi, wrote on Facebook the loss 'still doesn't feel real' and said the moment had changed his life forever.
He thanked President Donald Trump for acknowledging his brother on Wednesday.
'In the midst of our family's deepest heartbreak, we are profoundly humbled that the President of the United States took a moment to honor my brother, Zade,' Ryan posted.
His sister, Janae, said being around her brother 'would make everything feel a little lighter.'
'My heart breaks knowing [you] won't be there to watch me graduate college, walk me down the aisle one day like i always imagined, meet my future kids, or spend thanksgiving and christmas together like we always talked about after missing so many holidays over the years,' she wrote.
Abdelnabi's mother, Amy Harvey, described him as 'just a good boy' and said he 'gave selflessly to his job,' according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
The LVMPD remembered Abdelnabi on X as a Marine Corps veteran with an 'infectious laugh, larger-than-life personality, and genuine compassion.'
Abdelnabi was stationed at Camp Pendleton for his first deployment and was a .50 caliber machine gunner for his second deployment, according to McMahill.
He was awarded the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, as well as several other honors and acknowledgments.
Abdelnabi's brother Ryan (back right), who also said the family was 'profoundly humbled that the President of the United States took a moment to honor my brother'
Janae, the fallen officer's younger sister, said her heart was broken knowing that her brother, Abdelnabi (right), would be unable to watch her graduate from college or get married
The LVMPD tributed Abdelnabi as having an 'infectious laugh, larger-than-life personality, and genuine compassion'
Quentin Phillips, Abdelnabi's friend from the Marines, remembered him as an 'amazing' person.
'It breaks my heart, but I'll never get to talk to him again, and I'll never get to meet another person like him,' Phillips told News3.
Funeral details for Abdelnabi have not been announced yet, though a candlelight vigil in his honor is set for Friday and two processions have already been held.
On Wednesday, McMahill said initial information suggested there had previously been 'some interaction' between the suspect and police, albeit not of a criminal nature.
More details about the suspect are expected to be released on Friday, including body camera video of what transpired.
The Daily Mail has reached out to Lombardo's office for comment.
