NEW HAMPSHIRE’S FASTEST GROWING ONLINE NEWSPAPER

In N.H., Maine, grief and support for our 'men in blue'

Comment Print
Related Articles
Dallas Police Officers hunker down for safety as they scan downtown buildings for the shooter Thursday night. (Dallas Morning News photo)

New Hampshire and Maine leaders stood in solidarity with local law enforcement Friday in sympathy and support to the Dallas police officers shot and murdered in the line of duty on Thursday night.

Both states' flags flew at half-staff in honor of the victims, who were watching over a peaceful Black Lives Matter protest that had just ended before the shooting by a lone sniper erupted.

In Maine, Gov. Paul LePage voiced both sadness and anger over the killings by a black man who said he wanted "to kill white men, especially white police officers."

"It is a dark day in our nation," LePage said in a statement. "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.

"As Maine law enforcement officers from Calais to Kittery mourn for their colleagues, we are keeping in mind our own brave men and women in uniform as they serve and protect. We are grateful for the service you provide our great state and its citizens. This and every day, we want you to make it home safely to your family and loved ones."

New Hampshire Gov. Maggie Hassan echoed support for the state's officers in blue.

"In the aftermath of last night's shooting, we also want the extraordinary members of New Hampshire's law enforcement community to know how grateful we are for their service and professionalism - and the sacrifices their families make - each and every day,'' Hassan said. "You face danger every single day to keep our families and our communities safe, and we are profoundly grateful.''

Micah Xavier Johnson, a former Army Reservist who saw a tour in Afghanistan, was killed by a robot armed with a bomb several hours after a standoff with police, but not before he had fatally shot five officers and wounded seven others.

In Maine, the State Police Facebook Page changed its profile picture to an image of the state of Texas on a map emblazoned with a black and white American Flag with a single horizontal blue stripe to commemorate the men in blue who gave their lives.

A post on Friday simple ready, "Thoughts and prayers are with our brothers and sisters in Dallas."

The message was the same in Rochester.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the officers who were killed and wounded and their families," said Rochester Police Capt. Gary Boudreau, speaking for the entire department.

Boudreau said a pall of sadness and grief was felt throughout the department on Friday, but he was grateful for the public's support at this time.

"Just while I was getting lunch several people came up to me to express their sympathy and support," he said.

It was the most deadly single incident for law enforcement since 9/11.

Read more from:
Top Stories
Tags:
None
Share:
Comment Print
Powered by Bondware
News Publishing Software

The browser you are using is outdated!

You may not be getting all you can out of your browsing experience
and may be open to security risks!

Consider upgrading to the latest version of your browser or choose on below: