ST. GEORGE – In the wake of the shootings in Dallas, Gov. Gary Herbert has authorized the lowering of the flag of the United States of America and the State of Utah at all state facilities as a mark of respect for the victims of the attack.
Thursday’s attack on police officers in Dallas that left five officers dead and wounded others, including two civilians, occurred during a protest march focused on the police shootings of two black men in other states.
“My prayers are with the Dallas Police Department and our law enforcement community at this time,” Herbert said. “Last night’s attack serves as a painful and heartbreaking reminder of just how much our public safety officers sacrifice to protect each one of us.”
Flags will be flown at half-staff at all state facilities until sunset on July 12, 2016.
Other Utah public officials and law enforcement agencies across the state also reacted to the incident that has been described as the deadliest day for law enforcement since the 9/11 attacks. Some issued public statements while others took to social media.
Sen. Orrin Hatch
I join a grieving nation in mourning the deaths of our slain police officers in Dallas. An attack on law enforcement is an attack on us all. In the wake of the terrible tragedies that have occurred through the week, we must all stand united in condemning senseless acts of violence. And we must all stand together in supporting the brave men and women in blue who risk their own well-being for the safety of others.
Rep. Chris Stewart, Utah’s Second Congressional District
We are reminded today of the good men and women who put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe. I want to reemphasize my respect and appreciation for all those that serve. God bless them, God bless their families. Please join me in thanking a police officer today and praying for the families of those killed.
Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox
“(Eighteen) months ago I shared some thoughts re Ferguson, (Missouri),” Cox said over Twitter. “They feel appropriate to share again. We still have so far to go.”
(1/4) It is possible to support law enforcement and be critical that too many people are dying unnecessarily. #Ferguson #utpol
— Spencer Cox (@SpencerJCox) November 25, 2014
(2/4) It is possible to be critical of rioters and looters without being racist. #Ferguson #utpol
— Spencer Cox (@SpencerJCox) November 25, 2014
(3/4) It is possible to love our country and recognize deep flaws that need deep attention. #Ferguson #utpol
— Spencer Cox (@SpencerJCox) November 25, 2014
(4/4) It is possible to love more and do more. #Ferguson #utpol
— Spencer Cox (@SpencerJCox) November 25, 2014
Rep. Mia Love, Utah’s 4th Congressional District
Heartsick over violence-loss of 5 law enf. ofcrs. in Dallas. We must focus on what unites-not what divides us. https://t.co/411tSz445p
— Rep. Mia Love (@RepMiaLove) July 8, 2016
Rep. Jason Chaffetz, Utah’s 3rd Congressional District
Reactions from law enforcement
Chief Marlon Stratton, St. George Police Department
It is difficult to see what is happening across our country, and most recently the events in Dallas, Texas. To see the ambush of 12 police officers that resulted in the death of 5 officers and 7 officers and 2 civilians injured is hard to comprehend and we wonder how this can happen.
I am very saddened, my heart goes out to the families of the officers who were killed or injured in Dallas last night as well as to the officers and members of the Dallas Police Department and to the community of Dallas as a whole.
The events that have taken place across the country are cause for great concern, but our police officers will continue to bravely serve our community that we have sworn to protect. We will go out each day and do our best to protect our residents and visitors from those who commit crimes against others. We will do our best to help the good people of St. George who count on us to keep them safe. We will do our best to maintain the excellent quality of life that we are very fortunate to enjoy in St. George and of which we cannot take for granted. We will continue to do our job professionally by treating everyone with courtesy, dignity, and respect. We will remain focused on our mission of working together with the residents of St. George to preserve life, maintain human rights, protect property and promote individual responsibility and community commitment. Our thoughts and prayers are with the men and women of the Dallas Police Department and their families during these difficult times.
Cedar City Police Department
San Juan County Sheriff’s Office
Iron County Sheriff’s Office
Utah Highway Patrol
Mesquite, Nevada, Police Department
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @MoriKessler
Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2016, all rights reserved.
This tragedy on top of the others disturbs me greatly. I wish we weren’t so polarized, and I’d like to offer my condolences to all the families who have lost loved ones to recent street shootings. May peace find us all at last.
would be good if Barack hussein can keep his rhetoric down, so as not to fuel further racial tensions, and more violence.
Yeah right dumbob blame the President ! I’m surprised you didn’t blame the Mormons