HoCo Leaders on Dallas Shootings: 'We Must Condemn All Forms of Violence'

Howard County, MD — In the aftermath of the police shootings in Dallas, the Howard County police chief, county executive and NAACP president issued a joint statement Friday in a show of solidarity.

"We are fortunate in Howard County to have a community that is supportive of its police department," the statement said. "The Howard County Branch of the NAACP is a significant part of that effort and has expressed heavy concern about the shootings in Minnesota and Louisiana, and the most recent incident involving police officers in Dallas. They reiterate that such acts of violence cannot be tolerated, and they have extended sincere prayers to all of the victims’ families."

Leaders encouraged community members to embrace the spirit of tolerance and inclusion.

"We must join together, rely on each other, and recognize there is more that brings us together than divides us," the statement said. "There are no 'sides' here. There are just people…with families, friends, children and loved ones. Officers and civilians alike. Today is a day we should pause, reflect, and mourn the lives lost. We must condemn all forms of violence that claim lives, sworn and civilian, on a daily basis."

Joint Statement from Howard County Executive Allan H. Kittleman, Howard County Police Chief Gary L. Gardner, and Howard County NAACP President David Steele:

"Today, our community and Americans everywhere are mourning the recent loss of life in cities around the country, both of citizens and police officers. We in Howard County are heartbroken over the deadly attack on police officers in Dallas, just as we recognize the need for continued review of police actions in agencies around the nation.

"There are no 'sides' here. There are just people…with families, friends, children and loved ones. Officers and civilians alike. Today is a day we should pause, reflect, and mourn the lives lost. We must condemn all forms of violence that claim lives, sworn and civilian, on a daily basis.

Like the majority of our residents, we have great regard for our law enforcement officers, and we expect them to be held to the highest standards. Those in Dallas left their families yesterday to begin their shifts with the mission to protect and serve their community. By the end of their shifts, they had been shielding from gunfire the very people who were there to protest against them. Five of them gave their lives providing that protection.

"It is imperative throughout the U.S. that we create a culture of better understanding and communication between police and communities. Many of those efforts have been ongoing in Howard County. Over the past year we have instituted many police-community programs, expanded our dialogue through community partnerships, and initiated new and expanded training in our police academy and in-service training. Building trust in any relationship does not happen overnight. The police department will continue to build upon the strong foundation we have built together with our community.

"As part of that foundation, we must continue our efforts to work together to promote tolerance, respect and inclusion for all people. The Howard County Branch of the NAACP is a significant part of that effort and has expressed heavy concern about the shootings in Minnesota and Louisiana, and the most recent incident involving police officers in Dallas. They reiterate that such acts of violence cannot be tolerated, and they have extended sincere prayers to all of the victims’ families.

"Violence of any kind does not resolve issues we are facing in our communities today. We are fortunate in Howard County to have a community that is supportive of its police department. We must join together, rely on each other, and recognize there is more that brings us together than divides us."

“Returning violence for violence multiplies violence, adding a deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars.” –Martin Luther King Jr.