Statement on deadly attack in Dallas

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick, D-Ariz., gave the following statement today in response to the attack in Dallas that killed five law enforcement officers and injured several others:

“It’s been a heartbreaking week in so many ways. Our nation is on edge – violence is pulling us apart, dividing us. On this tragic day in Dallas, our thoughts are with the entire law enforcement community and their families. As a former prosecutor, I have the utmost respect for law enforcement officers who risk their lives every single day. The police who were ambushed in Dallas were just doing their jobs, working at a peaceful protest while citizens were exercising their right to free speech. The law enforcement response during this attack included many moments of heroism, with officers shielding the public and trying to save as many lives as possible. The protesters these officers were bravely protecting had gathered to call for justice for families that had lost loved ones. The cries of those families – the families of Alton Sterling, Philando Castile and others – must be heard, and they deserve answers and accountability. But the tragedies of this week are not mutually exclusive for our nation. We can grieve them together and we must condemn violence of all kinds together.”

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