TRENTON, Fla. — Two Gilchrist County, Fla. deputies were killed in the line of duty Thursday in what the Florida Sheriff's Association called an "ambush."

Florida AG: 2 deputies killed in line of duty

Deputies from Gilchrist County in north central Florida

RELATED: Florida law enforcement responds to shooting

The Gilchrist County Sheriff's Office said the gunman walked up to the Ace China restaurant in downtown Trenton at around 3 p.m. and shot both deputies through the window.

The agency said deputies responding to the scene found the shooter, identified late Thursday as John Hubert Highnote, 59, dead outside the business. The sheriff's office says there is no apparent motive at this time.

The Sheriff's Office tweeted that it had suffered "a terrible tragedy."

GILCHRIST COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE has suffered a terrible tragedy. Please avoid the area of SR 26 from the red light to the area of subway. No suspects are at large. Further updates will be posted later. — Gilchrist Co Sheriff (@GCSOFlorida) April 19, 2018 <_script charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js">

Sheriff Bobby Schultz identified the fallen deputies as Sgt. Noel Ramirez, a seven-year law enforcement veteran who had been recently promoted, and Deputy Taylor Lindsey.

Speaking to the media Thursday evening, Schultz called both men the best of the best, and said he was better for having known them.

Schultz also said that law enforcement officers from around the state where in the county to help out while the staff of the sheriff's office grieves, but he said they would continue to do their jobs, because it was the best way to honor them.

Attorney General Pam Bondi issued the following statement:

“My heart breaks with the tragic news of two Gilchrist County deputies that were senselessly killed today while in the line of duty. The daily risk that law enforcement officers take to protect our communities is overwhelming. My deepest condolences and prayers are with their families as they mourn the devastating loss of their loved ones. May their families, friends and fellow officers find peace and comfort during this very difficult time.”

The Florida Sheriff's Association called the shooting an "ambush":

The Sheriffs of Florida stand united with @GCSOFlorida, Sheriff Bobby Schultz & his team today with the tragic news that two of his deputies were ambushed and murdered. We are humbled by the countless offers of assistance and we grieve together as one family. - @SheriffAdkinson — Florida Sheriffs (@FLSheriffs) April 19, 2018 <_script charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js">

Gov. Scott says he spoke to the county's sheriff:

I was just briefed by @GCSOFlorida Sheriff Bobby Schultz on today’s shooting. I know @FDLEPIO is on scene and I’ve offered any state support they may need. — Rick Scott (@FLGovScott) April 19, 2018 <_script charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js">

Trenton, Fla. is west of Gainesville in north central Florida.

This is a developing story; check back with the latest.