“It was not an actual traffic stop. They just approached the vehicle," State Police spokeswoman Corinne Geller said. "They were just having a conversation with the individuals when the state police special agent was shot.”

In an update Saturday morning, Geller said Walter was riding with a Richmond police officer as part of the ongoing city-state partnership between the two agencies. She said a handgun was recovered near the car occupied by Ball.

Walter was assigned to the Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation field office's Drug Enforcement Section and had routinely partnered with Richmond police on investigative and patrol operations, Geller said.

Gov. Terry McAuliffe identified the trooper as Walter in a tweet at about 10:20 p.m. Friday evening, several hours before law enforcement officials confirmed it.

In a statement just before 10 a.m. today, the governor issued his condolences.

“Dorothy and I are deeply saddened by the loss of Virginia State Police Special Agent Mike Walter, and we are heartbroken for his wife and children," McAuliffe said. "Special Agent Walter was one of our brave men and women in uniform who risk their lives every single day to protect their fellow Virginians. We will be forever grateful for his service and sacrifice.