‘My God, my God.’ Local police and politicians react to Dallas shootings
An array of Boston-area police departments and politicians reacted with horror, condolences, and calls for calm after the shootings of at least 11 police officers that left five dead in Dallas on Thursday night.
The shootings occurred while hundreds of people gathered in Dallas to protest two recent fatal police shootings of black men in Louisiana and Minnesota.
In an interview with WBZ Radio, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh said he had offered his support to Dallas’ mayor. He also encouraged people to be particularly kind to police today.
“Today’s a tough day to be a police officer. I think today you’re going to look over your back,” Walsh said. “I would just ask people if you see a police officer, shake their hand because it’s a difficult job. I’m certainly going to talk to as many officers as I can and let them know I support them.”
Gov. Charlie Baker said in a statement that the shootings were “senseless and heinous.”
“My heart breaks for the families and loved ones of the innocent who lost their lives this week in Minnesota, Louisiana and Texas and I hope our nation can come together after a tumultuous and difficult period for so many across the country,” he said.
Sending our thoughts and prayers to @DallasPD @dartmedia during this most difficult time
— Boston Police Dept. (@bostonpolice) July 8, 2016
@DallasPD @dartmedia Prayers.
— Mass State Police (@MassStatePolice) July 8, 2016
The MBTA extends its condolences to the family of Ofc Thompson, Dallas’s fallen officers, & the Dallas community. https://t.co/rNf8MB5xtJ
— MBTA (@MBTA) July 8, 2016
This morning, we mourn the loss of our colleagues @DallasPD and encourage unity during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/0vFra5aoc1
— Cambridge Police Department (@CambridgePolice) July 8, 2016
We’re heartbroken over what happened in #Dallas. @DallasPD and #DARTPolice, we stand beside you. pic.twitter.com/nNMPyAy1MM
— Salem MA Police (@SalemMAPolice) July 8, 2016
https://twitter.com/ChiefBerkowitz/status/751372290626117632
Dic Donohue, the former MBTA Transit Police officer who was shot and critically wounded in the aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombings in 2013, also posted his reaction to the shootings.
Wear your vest.
Be safe.
Come home at the end of your shift-Because some won’t.#policeshootings #Dallas #police— Dic Donohue (@DicDonohue) July 8, 2016
The violence brought condolences and calls for action from members of the Massachusetts congressional delegation, including Rep. Seth Moulton and Rep. Katherine Clark.
Devastated by the targeting of police officers in Dallas tonight. We must stand together against this horrific violence.
— Katherine Clark (@WhipKClark) July 8, 2016
My God, my God. We must come together as Americans, as a Congress, and find unity in action before this senseless violence tears us apart.
— Seth Moulton (@sethmoulton) July 8, 2016
Speaking from Warsaw, Poland, President Barack Obama said it was a “vicious, calculated and despicable attack on law enforcement.”
The Boston branch of the NAACP reacted to the attacks.
https://twitter.com/BostonNAACP1911/status/751370790994583552
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