New England lawmakers are speaking out in the wake of the deadly police ambush attack that killed five officers and injured seven others in Dallas at the end of a march protesting nationwide police-involved shootings.
Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff at all state buildings until next Tuesday in honor for the fallen officers.
"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 in a statement. "Last night's deadly attacks on Dallas law enforcement represent a senseless and heinous crime against our brave first responders who put their lives at risk every day to keep our communities safe."
Boston Mayor Marty Walsh condemned violence against law enforcement officers, and offered his support for the Dallas Police Department and victims of the shootings.
"Whatever motivated this horrific attack, we should do all we can as a community and a nation to prevent it from inflaming existing tensions around police interactions," he said.
Senator Elizabeth Warren from Massachusetts said, "more killings solves nothing."
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She offered her support for those affected by the shootings and said, "I wish I had the answers right now to stop the very real pain that people are feeling all across the country, but I know this: change must come faster — and it must come now."
Massachusetts Congressman Joe Kennedy put out a statement offering his support for the families of those affected by the shootings.
He called for "zero tolerance towards the racial inequities deeply entrenched not only in our criminal justice system but in nearly every facet of our society. Zero tolerance for generalizations that cast a pall on the countless law enforcement officials that wake up every day and do their jobs with integrity, courage and compassion. And zero tolerance for the fact that black Americans have been forced to question whether their lives count."
Kelly Ayotte, the Republican senator from New Hampshire, tweeted after hearing the news about the shootings.
Horrific news out of Dallas. Praying for the fallen and wounded officers and their families.
— Kelly Ayotte (@KellyAyotte) July 8, 2016
Tonight is a tragic reminder that our brave law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every single day to keep us safe.
— Kelly Ayotte (@KellyAyotte) July 8, 2016
New Hampshire's Democratic senator, Jeanne Shaheen, offered "thoughts and prayers" to the victims of the shootings.
She condemned the violence, adding, "I'm horrified that law enforcement officers protecting a peaceful protest in their community were ruthlessly targeted."
New Hampshire Gov. Maggie Hassan released a full statement following the shootings where she mourned the loss of the officers who were killed.
She added, "All Americans need to stand together on this terrible morning and make sure we continue to do so each and every morning. Pictures before the shootings showed police officers and protesters in Dallas – and in cities across the country – working peacefully and respectfully together. It was a reminder of the professionalism, passion and fundamental goodwill of our law enforcement officers and our citizens."
Congressman Frank Guinta from New Hampshire also released a statement in response to the shootings.
"We must work together to heal the divisions in our society, creating daily confrontation, and direct all necessary resources to the brave men and women who place themselves between us and mortal danger.”
Chellie Pingree, one of the members of Congress from Maine, released a statement offering her condolences to the victims of the shootings. She also stressed the necessity to "recommit ourselves to finding a way to end this cycle of violence."
Calling the attack "heinous and cowardly," Vermont's Sen. Patrick Leahy says he and his wife are praying for the families of the Dallas officers who were slain along with those who were injured.
"It has been a particularly painful week of our country. There is so much anger, frustration and grief, and we must find ways to heal and rebuild trust after such unnecessary loss of life. Violence is never the answer," he said.
Vermont Governor Paul LePage also released a statement offering his support to those affected.
"This targeted and hateful attack is the epitome of evil. Our nation is built on a foundation of freedoms not hatred. Times like these determine a nation’s character and as Americans we have a responsibility to uphold our integrity and beliefs through strong leadership. We will not stand for acts of violence of this nature and we as a people will rise up to unite and trust that justice will be served to those who commit such violence against our society."
Senator Chris Murphy from Connecticut offered his remarks on the Dallas shootings as well.
"I’m mourning the loss of the five brave Dallas police officers who gave their lives protecting marchers’ right to protest safely. Americans are united in our grief over these barbaric murders. I pray we can stay united by a shared desire to prevent more families from knowing the pain of losing a loved one to gun violence."
