(AP) —The Federal Bureau of Investigation is conducting an independent investigation of the fatal shooting of a popular 13-year-old boy by a sheriff’s deputy in Northern California.

Sheriff Steve Freitas said he will cooperate fully with federal investigators and welcomes their participation in the probe of Andy Lopez’s killing on Tuesday afternoon. The shooting has generated numerous protests and marches in the suburban town of Santa Rosa, with many residents questioning the deputy’s decision to fire on the youth.

In a statement late Friday afternoon, Freitas expressed sympathy to the Lopez family and thanked the Santa Rosa community for keeping protests peaceful.