Tennessee sheriff reacts to Baton Rouge shootings, claims Obama took ‘reckless action’

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) – Law enforcement across Tennessee are responding to the recent deaths of three police officers in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

A former Marine, Gavin Long, shot and killed three officers near the city’s police headquarters Sunday. Three more police officers were injured. Col. Mike Edmonson believes Long was intentionally seeking out law enforcement.

Knox County Sheriff Jimmy Jones posted a statement on social media, saying: “The weekend slaying of three more police officers in our country highlights that our officers face even more peril than ever before.”

The sheriff goes on to make the claim that President Obama made a “reckless action” for political gain by banning the Military Surplus Program 1033. The program provided free tactical equipment to law enforcement.

The Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police (TACP) asked state law enforcement to shroud their badges in support of the Baton Rouge Police and East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s departments.

In a release from TACP, they said, “We send our sincere condolences to the Departments and to the families and friends of those affected by these senseless acts.”

Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero and Police Cheif David Rausch issued a joint statement Sunday, saying the city is reminding officers to be vigilant with daily duties.