Washington, D.C. – U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) President Oklahoma City (OK) Mayor Mick
Cornett today issued the following statement regarding the ambush of police officers in Dallas:
“Today is a sad day for Dallas, for all of America’s cities, and for the nation. Last night, five brave
police officers were killed and seven more were wounded as they protected the constitutional rights of
protestors to demonstrate, in this case against the actions of police officers in other cities. Two
civilians were wounded as well. America’s mayors send their condolences and their prayers to the
victims and their families, and to the entire Dallas community.”
“Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings and Police Chief David Brown have been a constant and a calming
force since this tragedy occurred – keeping the public informed, reminding us of the risks our police
officers face every day, and leading their community through a devastating time. As Mayor Rawlings
said of the police this morning, “putting their lives on the line is no hyperbole.” America’s mayors
recognize and respect the risks our police officers take every day and the bravery they exhibit.”
“From all reports, the Dallas Police Department did everything right. There was no inappropriate
show of force, the demonstration had been peaceful and was winding down, and there were positive
interactions between the officers and the demonstrators. Police officers lost their lives at the hands of
several bad actors, and we’ll know more about what happened as the investigation unfolds.”
“Last night’s demonstrations were a response to the tragic police shootings in Baton Rouge and
Falcon Heights. Officials in both of those communities have moved quickly to ensure that these
questionable shootings are independently and thoroughly investigated. At this difficult time for these
two cities, our thoughts and prayers are also with Baton Rouge Mayor Kip Holden and Falcon Heights
Mayor Peter Lindstrom and their communities, and, of course, with the families of the two men who
were killed.”
###