Harford Sheriff: 'Much More Than a Random Attack' in Dallas

Harford County, MD — Deputies with the Harford County Sheriff's Office may have their badges shrouded Friday to express grief after Thursday's sniper attack in Dallas. Five officers were killed in the Texas shootings and several others were injured.

"In recognition to those officers who have lost their lives while in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others and those still fighting for their lives in Dallas, I am authorizing the wearing of our badge shrouds through the final law enforcement internment service," Harford County Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler said in a statement on Friday. "Please stay vigilant and alert as you keep these brave men and women and their families in your thoughts and prayers."

The police were believed to have been targeted for their profession, Gahler said.

"Preliminary information indicates this was much more than a random attack on the fabric of our country. This was a planned and targeted attack on the men and women sworn to protect our way of life," Gahler said. "While this vicious and senseless attack remains under investigation, it is clear we witnessed heroes in action as they ran toward the shooting, shielded the innocents, rendered aid while being fired upon and gave their lives in service to their community."

The words sounded heartbreakingly familiar. "Running toward danger" was how he spoke of the two Harford County sheriff's deputies killed in the line of duty in Abingdon in February. A section of MD 924 was dedicated in honor of Senior Deputy Patrick Dailey, 52, and Senior Deputy Mark Logsdon, 43—dubbed "Heroes Highway"—on Thursday, hours before the incident in Dallas.

Related: Road Dedicated to Slain Harford Deputies

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan urged residents to observe a moment of silence at 1 p.m. ET Friday when the city of Dallas holds a moment of silence.

"Let us mourn the deaths of those who put their lives on the line to keep Dallas safe; let us pray for the safety of the men and women in blue all across the country; and let us take time today and every day to thank our brave officers for their service and reassure them that they do not stand alone," Hogan said in a statement.

Full Statement from Harford County Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler:

"Tragically, 5 police officers were killed and 6 injured in Dallas Texas by cowards who targeted these brave officers while they performed their duties serving the citizens of their community. Unfortunately, the number of lives lost and those wounded may climb as the news continues to be updated. The Dallas Police Department and Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Police are grieving the loss of their officers and supporting those that were injured in the attack that occurred last night.

"Sadly, this is the deadliest day for law enforcement since September 11, 2001. Preliminary information indicates this was much more than a random attack on the fabric of our Country. This was a planned and targeted attack on the men and women sworn to protect our way of life. While this vicious and senseless attack remains under investigation, it is clear we witnessed heroes in action as they ran toward the shooting, shielded the innocents, rendered aid while being fired upon and gave their lives in service to their community.

"In recognition to those officers who have lost their lives while in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others and those still fighting for their lives in Dallas, I am authorizing the wearing of our badge shrouds through the final law enforcement internment service. Please stay vigilant and alert as you keep these brave men and women and their families in your thoughts and prayers."

Photo Credit: Harford County Sheriff's Office.