National League of Cities Statement on Dallas Police Shooting

WASHINGTON, July 8, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Last night, five Dallas-area police officers were slain and nine others, including seven officers and two civilians, were injured by one or more assailants targeting public safety officials as they were serving and protecting peaceful citizens protesting recent police-involved shootings in Louisiana and Minnesota. The following statement may be attributed to National League of Cities (NLC) CEO and Executive Director Clarence E. Anthony:

"Last night members of Dallas police force were brutally slain in an inhuman act of violence at an otherwise peaceful protest. Our thoughts and condolences are with the victims and their families in Dallas. Yesterday was a terrible tragedy not only for the City of Dallas, but also for the nation as a whole as we struggle to make sense of a week wrought with violence and pain.

"The National League of Cities community stands with the City of Dallas — including Mayor Mike Rawlings and the entire public safety community — and all of those looking to bring an end to the senseless gun violence plaguing the country today. The city has made strides in improving trust between police and communities they serve, and we must not let this tragedy overshadow progress made in Dallas and in cities across the nation to improve police and community relations.

"As city officials, it is important to maintain an open dialogue with those looking to improve their communities and fight for what they believe in. It is crucial to condemn the senseless acts of violence that serve no purpose other than to divide and regress our country."

The National League of Cities (NLC) is dedicated to helping city leaders build better communities. NLC is a resource and advocate for 19,000 cities, towns and villages, representing more than 218 million Americans. www.nlc.org 

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20081022/NLCLOGO

SOURCE National League of Cities

Related Links

http://www.nlc.org/