City leaders, Pence respond to shooting in Dallas
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – City leaders and Governor Mike Pence shared statements on their response to the shootings in Dallas, Texas, that left five officers dead and several others wounded.
“Our condolences and prayers go out to the families of the law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the horrific ambush in Dallas last night. This cowardly attack is a national tragedy and the hearts of every Hoosier are in Dallas today.
“This attack on police officers in Dallas is also a heartbreaking reminder of the risks the men and women of our law-enforcement community take every day to protect and serve our communities,” Pence said.
Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings says one of four suspects in last night’s attack is dead. Three other suspects are in custody. Rawlings says the suspect involved in an overnight standoff with police died after officers used explosives and a bomb robot to “blast him out.” In addition to the five officers who died, six others were wounded during a protest against police killings of black men in Louisiana and Minnesota.
The Indianapolis Fraternal Order of Police said that their worst fears in the law enforcement profession have come true. It’s a tragic murder that the nation has watch unfold, FOP said.
“Law is the safeguard of freedom, when those who swear to uphold the law fall under attack it threatens the fabric of our society.
Unfortunately, our country has been visibly reminded of the dangers our law enforcement officers face every day. Our police officers are not only heroes for what they do, but for what they may have to do as well. Tragically, we have again seen multiple officers lay down their lives for their fellow citizens, many of which they will never know,” FOP President Rick Snyder.
Law enforcement agencies are calling this the most significant attack on law enforcement since 9/11.
Mayor Hogsett and Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Chief Troy Riggs released a joint statement saying that they would hold a moment of silence at 1 p.m. In the release, they said that Thursday’s attack will “change the way we plan and train as a department, in order to protect our officers but also the citizens we so proudly serve. Each and every day you have a difficult and challenging job to do – one you do with dedication and bravery to protect and serve.”
“As we mourn with those who mourn, now is also a time for Hoosiers to humble ourselves and reflect on how each of us might build bridges of opportunity and hope in struggling communities across our state.
“To heal our land, we must stand with those who protect and serve and continue to reach out with generosity and compassion for those in need,” Pence said.
Indy FOP has also reached out to Dallas, Fort Worth and other Texas police departments to offer their services in the coming days as they lay their fallen to rest.