National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund President Craig W. Floyd released the following statement on the Dallas shooting:
"As dawn broke over our country this morning, we were left to witness the aftermath of a horrific tragedy. Last night, in a matter of hours, a peaceful protest in the streets of Dallas turned into one of the deadliest days in our nation's law enforcement history.
"That peace was shattered when law enforcement officers were ambushed while protecting the First Amendment rights of their fellow citizens. Twelve officers were shot, five of whom lost their lives, in the deadliest day for law enforcement since 72 officers died on 9/11. The Dallas (TX) Police Department lost four officers, while the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Police Department lost one. Sadly, the State of Texas has already lost ten officers this year so far, more than twice as many line of duty deaths as any other state in the country.
"The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund honors law enforcement officers who die in the line of duty. So it is only natural that we, like all Americans, are deeply saddened about yesterday's events. It is truly a dark day for law enforcement. However, much more troubling is the disturbing trend of officers being killed in ambush attacks, like the one in Dallas last night. Already this year, eleven officers have been killed in ambush attacks, and another 23 officers were gunned down similarly in 2014-2015.
"These five officers who gave their lives last night are the same officers we see walking down our streets, helping our communities, and who we immediately call upon when we face danger. These are the officers who go without a thank you on a day-to-day basis.
"Our country must do more to protect our law enforcement officers. While we cannot turn a blind eye to the recent events in Louisiana and Minneapolis, we must allow the justice system to run its course. We must also call upon the media, our elected officials, and our community leaders, along with every law-abiding citizen in this country, to come together in partnership to create communities where trust can be found among each other. This should be our collective solemn obligation as a way to honor the service and sacrifice of the five fallen law enforcement heroes from Dallas."
