DALLAS: Governor, Inland congressional delegation reacts
Gov. Jerry Brown and members of the Inland congressional delegation reacted with shock, sadness and calls for unity after news of a sniper attack at a Black Lives Matter rally that left five Dallas police officers dead Thursday night, July 7.
In a statement issued by his office, Brown said: “On behalf of all Californians, Anne and I extend our deepest condolences to the communities across our country impacted by violence over the past several days, including the friends and family members of the officers killed last night in Dallas, Texas. Their loss and sadness is also ours. As we come together to grieve, we cannot let violence tear us apart.”
President Barack Obama on Friday ordered flags at federal facilities to be flown at half-staff until sunset Tuesday in honor of the victims. Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de León, who is acting governor while Brown is in Europe, ordered flags to be flown at half-staff at state buildings.
U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., recalled the unrest and rioting that followed the murder of San Francisco County supervisor/gay rights activist Harvey Milk and Mayor George Moscone in the 1970s.
“We talked. We worked through deep pain. We instituted changes in our community and emerged stronger,” she said in an official statement. “I believe the communities affected by this week’s shootings -- indeed the entire country -- can also emerge stronger, if we join together.”
Rep. Mark Takano, D-Riverside, said: “I am stunned by the heinous and despicable attack on Dallas police officers last night. An attack on the men and women who risk their lives to keep us safe is an attack on all of us. The entire nation grieves for the victims and their families.”
“We cannot allow this tragedy to deepen our divisions or intensify our distrust. We must unite behind the idea that every loss of innocent life diminishes us and every act of hate takes us further away from the country we strive to be. Our country is not defined by these tragedies; it is defined by how we respond to them.”
“Let us respond with love and compassion for one another.”
Rep. Pete Aguilar, D-Redlands, the congressman whose district was the site of the Dec. 2 terror attack in San Bernardino, weighed in on Twitter.
Rep. Ken Calvert, R-Corona, issued a statement on the attack. “We grieve today with the Dallas law enforcement community, their families, and all of Dallas,” he said.
“Every day, police officers around the country perform an incredibly difficult job that involves putting themselves in danger in order to protect and serve their communities. Five families are now left without a loved one, and the city of Dallas has five fewer heroes. Acts of violence simply have no place in our society and we must all work together to end its root causes.”
A Facebook post by Rep. Raul Ruiz, D-Palm Desert, included a Martin Luther King quote - “Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.”
In her own statement, Rep. Norma Torres, D-Pomona, said the following.
“As the mother of a police officer, I was shocked and saddened by the ambush in Dallas last night that took the lives of five police officers during an otherwise peaceful demonstration. There is no excuse for this kind of violence - ever.”
“The police shootings of this past week were a horrific reminder that there are systemic issues within law enforcement, and those are issues that we must work as a nation to solve. Last night’s attack should not be a reflection on the thousands who have peacefully taken to the streets to demand change.”
“During my time as a 911 dispatcher for LAPD and as Mayor and local official, I had the honor of working with many dedicated police officers who were committed to building ties with the community and making their neighborhoods better for everyone. The actions of a few should not diminish the hard work and sacrifices of all of the men and women who put their lives on the line to keep us safe.”
“We cannot function as a society if the community fears law enforcement nor if law enforcement fears the people they are sworn to protect. Passions are running high on every side of this issue, but now is a time for calm, for healing, and for peace. Let us listen to one another, respect one another, and work together to make sure that every American, regardless of race, creed, or line of work, can live a life free of hate and violence.”
Source: Jeff Horseman, The Press Enterprise