Hudson Valley Reacts to Dallas: Shock, Horror, Prayers for the Families

Many people in the Hudson Valley woke up Friday to the grim news from Dallas, Texas.

Reactions ranged from horror, to shock, to heartbreak for the families of the officers who will killed.

Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro posted on Facebook that he was praying for everyone in law enforcement.

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"We ask for help relieving us from the anger and hate that leads to painful mourning and the unnecessary loss of any innocent life," Molinaro wrote.

• Related: Dallas Shootings: Snipers Kill 5 Officers, Wound 7, During Protest Over Police Killings Of Black Men

The officers in Dallas were at a protest rally against the killing of two black men by police earlier in the week. At least two snipers opened fired on police. At least three suspects are in custody. Two civilians were injured, but police officers were the main targets.

One gunman barricaded himself for hours in a parking garage and was killed after police used explosives to dislodge him.

"We have people talking past each other instead of to each other, and without a common understanding of the root issues, this pattern of unrest is likely to continue," Rice said.

Rob Rolison, mayor of Poughkeepsie, is a retired police officer whose son is a police officer.

He said he's attended countless police funerals in the past.

"I'm somewhat surprised how I've reacted in such an emotional way," Rolison said.

He said he took the opportunity to speak with many of the officers and other law enforcement personnel in Poughkeepsie Friday morning.

"They are hurting," Rolison said. "I'm hurting."

Ed Day, Rockland County Executive

Paul Feiner, Supervisor, Town of Greenburgh

“It’s horrible. And scary. We need sensible gun safety laws on the books nationally.

Rob Rolison, Mayor of Poughkeepsie

“It’s been a really emotional morning for me. These cops were there to protect the very people who were upset with the cops. It’s really a very hurtful day for those officers, and this whole country.”

Jared Rice, New Rochelle City Councilman

"This most recent manifestation of violence that our country has seen in these past few days is particularly troubling. One life lost is one too many. We have people talking past each other instead of to each other, and without a common understanding of the root issues, this pattern of unrest is likely to continue. In New Rochelle, we have been fortunate enough to implement community policing initiatives such as the Youth and Police Initiative (YPI). It is going to be the responsibility of individual communities, with assistance from federal and state governments, to foster better relations between law enforcement and in particular, communities of color."

Clarkstown Police Department

Hillary Clinton, Chappaqua resident, presumptive Democratic presidential candidate

Robert P. Astorino, Westchester County Executive

"Our prayers are with the families of the slain police officers in Dallas. This tragedy sadly illustrates the importance and vulnerability of all of the men and women who dedicate their lives to keeping us safe. They are our shields. But they are also fathers, mothers, friends and neighbors and in this case heroes. We cannot thank them—and their families—enough for the service and sacrifice they have made for all of us as Americans."

Donald J. Trump, Bedford resident, presumptive Republican presidential candidate

Marcus Molinaro, Dutchess County Executive

Rep. Nita Lowey, D-Harrison

Image via Shutterstock.