Statement of Madison Mayor Paul Soglin and Madison City Council on Dallas Officer Shootings

We stand with the people of Dallas, their municipal officials led by Mayor Mike Rawlings and Police Chief David Brown, as they mourn the loss of lives of their dedicated colleagues. Our heart and sympathy are with the families, fellow officers, and the friends of those murdered. We continue to support all in Madison, our own officers, and those around this country who feel the pain as we take a step back in our efforts to create universal peace and justice.

The police officers in Dallas were doing what they and all police officers do every day – protecting our rights, the right to peacefully assemble, and keep us safe.

I reached out to Chief Koval and he provided the following thoughts: “Whenever there are officers killed in the line of duty, the entire profession mourns as if it were a member of their own agency or family.  The vulnerability of our livelihood is starkly front and center and is thrust upon our inner psyche, gives apprehension to our support network, and reminds us that life is not only fleeting, it is fragile. But for the grace go I.  Our phones, our email and our contacts in the streets have been most comforting and appreciated.  Thank you.  Madison cares and we are grateful to be a part of this community.”

The sniper attacks, brutally murdering five officers and wounding several others, and civilians, marks a horrible stain on our country.

We are conveying this message to Mayor Mike Rawlings to express our condolences and that of the residents of Madison as they investigate this horrendous attack.