Legislative Leaders Comment on Shooting of
St. Louis Police Officers

“Today our thoughts and prayers are with the two brave officers who were attacked and injured by gunfire last night and with their families. The men and women of our law enforcement community put their lives on the line every day as they seek to ‘protect and serve’ citizens all across our great state.  To them falls the duty to maintain law and order and to keep the peace even during times of social unrest.  For their service and sacrifice, they deserve our respect and support.

It is against the backdrop of such social unrest that we hear of the events of last night.  To be sure, many of the complaints voiced by law-abiding citizens in recent months involving events in the St. Louis area warrant our attention and concern.  As a civil society, we will continue to have these important conversations and all people of good will are invited to have a seat at the table, but let there be no misunderstanding – those who choose to operate outside the bounds of the law and of decency itself, who engage in criminal acts against local citizens and the police officers who protect them, choosing violence instead of peaceful dialogue, stand condemned by their own actions and will face the maximum punishment allowed by law. 

Even in the wake of this shocking act of evil, we invite all who embrace justice and peace to come together as one community, recommitting ourselves to moving forward in a spirit of unity and healing as we work together for the good of all.”

Senate Leader Tom Dempsey, R-St. Charles
District 23
Speaker of the House John Diehl, R-Town and Country
District 89
Senate Majority Floor Leader Ron Richard, R-Joplin
District 32
House Speaker Pro Tem Denny Hoskins, R-Warrensburg
District 54
House Majority Floor Leader Todd Richardson, R- Poplar Bluff
District 152

Lauren Hieger, Senate Majority Caucus Communications Director
(573) 751-7266 — lauren.hieger@senate.mo.gov