Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD) spoke on the House Floor today to discuss the shootings in Dallas, Texas and the recent deaths of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile.

Hollywood, MD (TBN) — Today, Maryland’s Governor and legislators spoke and released statements concerning the police shooting that took place last night in Dallas, Texas, that killed five police officers and injured six more.

“This morning, I share in the grief and heartbreak that burdens members of our law enforcement community as well as millions of Americans across the country.” Governor Larry Hogan said in a statement. “Yesterday’s senseless violence and the shocking death of five police officers in Dallas was a tragedy unlike anything our country has witnessed in recent years.”

Maryland has been amidst the same national tensions and backlash experienced during the Baltimore riots following the death of Freddie Gray, who died while in Baltimore police custody in April 2015.

“In Maryland and across the country, the obvious tensions between communities and law enforcement are real and cannot be ignored or swept under the rug,” the governor said. “But there is so much more that unites us than divides us. Now is clearly a time for profound sorrow, but also for reflection, understanding and above all, compassion.”

“The First Lady and I send our most sincere thoughts and prayers to the families and loved ones of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, as well as to those officers recovering from this horrific shooting.”

Congressman Steny H. Hoyer spoke on the House Floor, U.S. Senator Barbara A. Mikulski and  U.S. Senator Ben Cardin released statements.

“Mr. Speaker, all of us were deeply shocked and heartbroken to learn of the assassination of five police officers in Dallas last night,” Hoyer said. “Nothing can ever justify the cold-blooded murder of those who have sworn to protect and serve.”

Hoyer went on to say that such acts do not to bring back those who were killed by police in previous days.

“Violence only begets violence, not justice.”

Mikulski said in her statement, “I join Maryland and the nation in offering my deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the officers killed and injured in the line of duty and the civilians caught in the crossfire last night in Dallas.

“Each and every day, our law enforcement officers report for duty not knowing what dangers they may face. Men and women in blue put their lives on the line to keep our families and communities safe. I thank officers across the country for their service.

“Like all Americans, I am deeply concerned about racial disparities in our criminal justice system and about gun violence in our communities, our schools and our churches. Police officers have a difficult job and the vast majority serve in an outstanding and honorable manner.
“As we grieve with the families of the victims and struggle to understand this tragedy, we should lift up our voices in a unified call for peace.”
Cardin, author of both the Law Enforcement Trust and Integrity Act (S. 2168) and the Blue Alert Act (P.L. 114-12) said in his release, ”Right now, Americans, citizens of a country boldly built on the rule of law, are joining the people of Dallas in mourning a horrible attack on law enforcement.”

“My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims and their community. What happened last night, the most police killed at once since 9/11, will be seared into our collective memories as an attack on our civilized society.”

He said, “Moments prior, police were mingled together with peaceful protesters as men, women and children gathered together to freely exercise their rights and voice their opinions – their frustrations – as Americans.”

All mentioned there will be much discussion of the issue in days to come and all sent condolences to the comrades, friends and family of the fallen Dallas police officers.