Heinrich Statement on Shootings in Dallas, Baton Rouge, Minneapolis

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) issued the following statement in response to the tragic shootings this week in Dallas, Baton Rouge, Minneapolis:

"I am stunned and heartbroken by the killing of law enforcement officers in Dallas, and by the shooting deaths of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile. The loss felt by the victims' loved ones is unimaginable. I join the communities in Dallas, Baton Rouge, Minneapolis, and throughout the entire nation in denouncing violence and keeping all those who have been impacted by these tragedies in our thoughts.

"But our words of compassion will ring hollow if they are not paired with action. And in the midst of fear and anger we all feel, the action we take must be constructive and peaceful. We cannot resolve our differences by furthering an ‘us versus them’ mentality or resorting to the deplorable violence we’ve seen in the last 24 hours. We are all members of a community and have the responsibility to work together toward equality and justice.

"When I served on the City Council, I saw how effective community policing could be—where officers had a relationship with the very people they serve and protect. I believe that the shift away from that community policing to a more tactical approach has been a challenge, especially when it comes to public trust and community relations. The men and women who serve in our police forces put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe, and we owe it to them to ensure they are equipped and trained to be trusted community partners and advocates in our fight for justice.

"I am committed to doing more to prevent senseless shootings and reduce gun violence, and invest in strengthening community policing. And I call on the American people to put themselves in the shoes of others as we come together to take action and better ensure the safety of the public."