Dallas terror attack causes unity and support for police instead of fear
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By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief
On Thursday, September 7, Dallas Police Officers protecting a group of protesters were the targets of an unconfirmed number of snipers. Deceased gunman Micah Xavier Johnson, 25, of Mesquite, Texas was killed by a bomb squad robot to avoid risking the lives of more officers. Johnson claimed to work alone and also claimed to have planted bombs throughout the city.
State Senator Dan Newberry, who represents Sand Springs and parts of Tulsa, issued a statement Friday calling for prayer in response to the terror attack.
Patrick Zamarripa.
“In moments like these we must all put our differences aside and come together in prayer and support for each other,” said Newberry.
“Domestic terrorism – no matter the motive – must not be allowed to continue in the United States,” said Newberry. “Our men and women in law enforcement put their lives in danger every day to uphold public safety. Let’s show our law enforcement officers how much they mean to us today and every day after this. Join me in thanking our men in blue as we pray for the families affected by this senseless act of terrorism.”
Lorne Ahrens.
The Sand Springs Police Department issued a statement expressing sympathy for the victims and families via Facebook late Thursday night.
"The thoughts and prayers of the men and women of the Sand Springs Police Department are with the killed and wounded officers of the Dallas Police Department and their families."
Brent Thompson.
Preliminary reports indicated as many as four shooters, but it was later discovered that Johnson was moving throughout a single building and firing from multiple floors.
There were approximately twenty protesters at the event legally carrying long guns that contributed to the confusion early-on. Three suspects were detained for questioning but released without charges.
At this time Johnson has not been linked to any known terrorist organizations and has no criminal record. He previously served in the U.S. Army Reserve and completed one tour of duty in Afghanistan before receiving an honorable discharge.
Michael Krol.
Five officers were killed and seven others were injured in the ambush. Two civilians were also injured. Police have said at least ten officers were casualties of sniper fire and two others were shot in a shootout.
Dallas Police Officers Lorne Ahrens, Michael Smith, Michael Krol, and Patrick Zamarripa were all killed in action, as well as Dallas Area Rapid Transit officer Brent Thompson.
Michael J. Smith.
Zamarripa, a 32 year-old father of two, had previously served three tours of duty with the US Navy before fulfilling his lifelong dream of joining the DPD.
Ahrens, 48, was married to a detective on the force, and was a 14-year veteran of the department. The couple has two children under the age of eleven.
Thompson, 43, was a seven-year veteran of the transit force and was just married to a fellow officer two weeks prior to his death.
Krol, 40, was an eight-year veteran of the department with more than a decade of law-enforcement experience.
Smith, 55, spent seven years with the US Army Rangers division before joining the police force in 1989. He and his wife of 17 years have two children under the age of fifteen.
An anonymous Sand Springs resident left this note on Sgt. Kristie Behar’s patrol unit Friday in a show of public support for the City’s finest.
