Source: LAURA BUCKMAN / Getty
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Indiana reaction is pouring in, in the wake of a sniper executing a shooting rampage in Dallas Texas that left five Dallas police officers dead and seven others critically injured Thursday night.
Rep. Andre’ Carson Source: Official US House Photo / US House of Representatives
Indiana Representative Andre’ Carson:
Source: Office of U.S. Rep. Susan Brooks IN
Indiana Representative Susan Brooks:
“Last night’s ambush on a peaceful protest and on the law enforcement community is an unspeakable act of violence. As we come together to mourn and to grieve, we must remember and honor the commitment and dedicated service of law enforcement officers around the country who risk their lives for their fellow citizens each and every day. The shared commitment to protect and to serve everyone, even those protesting law enforcement. We must also recognize those who stood in Dallas last night to make their voices heard and exercise a fundamental and foundational element of our democracy.”
“I offer my support and heart-felt prayers to the families of the officers lost in the line of duty last night, to those still fighting for their lives, to the first responders and law enforcement officers who ran towards the sound of gunfire, to the community of Dallas, and to the loved ones of the men who lost their lives in Baton Rouge and St. Paul.”
“Out of these tragedies, I hope that we will approach the coming days with compassion, understanding and a shared goal of bringing our nation and our communities back together. It is up to each of us to overcome the things that divide us, to renew the ties that bind us together and to stand strong in the face of violence and hate.”
Gov. Mike Pence Source: Indiana Governors office
Indiana Governor Mike Pence:
“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.
“In the wake of this tragedy, we must be clear that violence and threats against law enforcement officers will never be tolerated and ensure that our police have the training and resources to defend themselves as they defend our communities.
“Our hearts also go out to the families of those who lost their lives in police shootings in Louisiana and Minnesota earlier this week.
“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.”
Mayor Joe Hogsett Source: ACB, III
IMPD Chief Troy Riggs Source: ACB, III
Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett and Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Chief Troy Riggs:
Source: Chip Somodevilla / Getty
Joint Statement of Black Organizations in Indianapolis (released by Indiana Black Expo):
“We invite the city of Indianapolis to allow their hearts to break with ours over the deaths of Alton Sterling, Philando Castle and Dallas police officers murdered and injured in the line of duty at a rally. These incidents occurred as the nation reeled from the senseless murder of members of the LGBT community in Orlando. There have been over 100 police action shootings of Black men across the country this year alone prompting outrage but seemingly no justice. It is through tears and frustration, a reverence for the dead, and respect for the impact on the families of the victims and the officers involved that we seek to affirm our aspirations toward healthy and continuously improving police and community relations. We mourn for the loss of life of citizens who mattered to their communities, families and friends. Their lives mattered. Black lives matter. We recognize that the police have a difficult job to do and that the majority serve the community well. Police officers are our neighbors, customers, friends and family members. It is moments like these that it is most important to remember that the police are the community and that policing should affirm the values of the community—which must include a respect for the dignity of all citizens. We remain mindful of the mistreatment of a youth in Indianapolis by a police officer. We also remain mindful of the need to break the code of silence when law enforcement seeks justice for victims of crime. The work of building and maintaining healthy police and community relations continues. The dignity of all members of the community is sacred and when violated we should be able to count on a justice system that works for all. Too often, it seems that this has not been the case—which is why our struggle for justice and equity for all continues. We ask that our friends, neighbors and colleagues of all races mourn with us and engage in a dialog on the way forward. Indy is a world class city and must be proactive in ensuring that all of its citizens are not only safe but treated with the dignity they deserve.”
100 Black Men of Indianapolis
Baptist Minister’s Alliance
Circle City (IN) Chapter of the Links, Incorporated
Concerned Clergy of Indianapolis
EdFit
Exchange at the Indianapolis Urban League
Greater Indianapolis Chapter of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives
Greater Indianapolis NAACP Branch
Indiana Black Expo
Indianapolis Urban League
Marion County Bar Association
Martin Luther King Community Center
National Coalition of 100 Black Women/Indianapolis Chapter
OpportunIndy
Tony Mason Source: Indpls Urban League
Indianapolis Urban League President/CEO Anthony Mason:
“The Board of Directors and staff of the Indianapolis Urban League extends it thoughts and prayers to the families impacted by the deaths of Alton Sterling, Philando Castile and the police officers due to shootings in Baton Rouge, Minneapolis and Dallas. We mourn for the loss of life of men and police officers who mattered to their communities, families and friends. These tragedies should matter to everyone because all lives matter. Frustrations are growing locally which is undeniable and understandable, yet peace and calm are still required of all of us. We must continue to aspire and work towards improving police and community relations. This is going to take everyone including residents continuing to work in partnership with the Mayor’s Office and the Department of Public Safety, to ensure that the lives of all members of our community are valued and protected if we are to prosper as people and a community.”
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Dallas Police Chief David Brown Source: Stewart F. House / Getty
The gunman who ambushed the Dallas officers at a peaceful protest has been identified as a former Army reservist who had done a tour in Afghanistan. According to several reports, Micah Xavier Johnson, 25, was killed in a parking garage by an explosive detonated by a police robot. Johnson is said to have lived in nearby Mesquite, Texas. At a press conference Friday morning, Dallas Police Chief David Brown said he acted alone and was not a part of any group. The protest was held to take a stand against the Louisiana and Minnesota shooting deaths of two black men by police, Alton Sterling in Baton Rouge and Philando Castile, respectively.
U.S. A.G. Loretta Lynch Source: T.J. Kirkpatrick / Stringer / Getty
Attorney General Loretta Lynch is urging calm after what has turned into a tragic week in this nation. Speaking at the U.S. Justice Department, she offered thoughts and prayers for the victims of the deadly Dallas attacks.
A prayer vigil in Dallas has drawn hundreds to pray for the officers and their loved ones. Clergy there are working to heal the city in the face of the tragedy and prior shootings. Police Chief Brown attended and asked everyone to rally behind his department because they had been hit hard. American flags are being flown at half staff across the nation in honor of the shooting victims. President Obama issued the order which lasts until sunset on Tuesday.
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