Vermont Business Magazine Governor Peter Shumlin has ordered the Vermont flag to fly at half-staff to honor those killed in Dallas Thursday night. The Vermont flag will return to full-staff Monday at sunset. The governor and other state officials have offered their condolences and thoughts on the tragedy which took the lives of five police officers. Because of the events in Dallas, the Burlington Police Department has suspended solo patrols by its officers.
“Like so many Vermonters, I was horrified to learn of the events in Dallas, and today my heart goes out to the spouses, children, parents, and siblings of those who were killed in the line of duty, trying to keep their city safe. The deliberate and coordinated targeting of those in uniform is completely reprehensible. This attack on the law enforcement community is an attack on a fundamental institution that our state and nation rely upon. Police and other law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to protect us. We must never forget the sacrifice they make to help ensure our safety.
“Our state and our nation has been rocked in recent days -- even recent years -- by tragic violence and deaths linked to racial and religious divides that herald back to our turbulent civil rights movement. My heart also goes out to the families of the victims of those recent terrible events.
“There will be time for political and legal debate about the horrific murders of police officers in Dallas, as well as the tragedies in Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, and other parts of our nation.
“But at this moment, my appeal is for unity in the face of division and violence. It is my sincere hope that rather than further divide us, these tragic events unify our nation in a quest for understanding and acceptance.”
STORY: Dallas sniper attack: 5 officers killed
Senator Patrick Leahy said: “Marcelle and I are praying for the families of the Dallas officers who were murdered last night, as well as those who were wounded. This was a heinous and cowardly attack, and we join Americans across the country in support of the Dallas law enforcement community. It has been a particularly painful week of our country. There is so much anger, frustration and grief, and we must find ways to heal and rebuild trust after such unnecessary loss of life. Violence is never the answer.”
Department of Public Safety Commissioner Keith Flynn and State Police Colonel Matthew Birmingham released the following statement on the tragic shootings in Dallas:
"On behalf of the men and women of the Vermont State Police, our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of those who died in the tragic events in Dallas last night.
"Our condolences go out to the Dallas Police Department, the Dallas Area Rapid Transit Police Department and the entire Dallas community. This horrific event highlights the sacrifices that law enforcement officers make every day across the country.
"The Vermont State Police will continue to remain vigilant and assess any threat that would jeopardize the safety of our troopers or the communities we serve. Our members are among the most highly trained and dedicated law enforcement officers in the nation and will continue to serve all Vermonters with the highest standards of professionalism and respect."
Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger said this is a statement:
“Tragedy has followed tragedy with the planned murder of five police officers at a peaceful protest in Dallas yesterday. My thoughts are with the family and friends of the Dallas Police Department and Dallas Area Rapid Transit officers killed and the seven other officers and two civilians injured on Thursday night.
"In light of this attack on America’s police, I cannot overstate the support I have for the Burlington Police Department. Our city is extremely fortunate to have a police department so dedicated to protecting the people of Burlington in a just and skillful manner. The challenges and pressures that our officers routinely encounter on patrol are enormous and not fully understood by many. In the wake of this attack, which makes clear that officers anywhere can be targets of violence, I am appreciative more than ever of the courage and commitment that our officers show in putting on the uniform and doing their duty every day.
"Tragedies like those that have occurred over the past three days tear at the fabric of our society. We must rededicate ourselves to the work of uniting all Americans. We must continue to strengthen the trust between law enforcement officers and the communities they serve and unite against violence.”