PRESS RELEASE DETAIL

For release: IMMEDIATELY

Release Date: 03/19/2017

Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome’s statement on officer shooting

Office of Mayor-President
City of Baton Rouge/Parish of East Baton Rouge

SHARON WESTON BROOME
Mayor-President


March 19, 2017

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Dr. Tamiara Wade, Asst. Chief Administrative Officer, (225) 389-3100
Michelle McCalope, Communications Office: (225) 389-7957


BATON ROUGE - Today our hearts are breaking across this parish after such a needless loss of life. When someone who wears a uniform and vows to protect and serve is lost, we all mourn and recognize that this is a loss for our entire community and a very sad day in Baton Rouge.

The family of Sheriff’s Deputy Sgt. Shawn Anderson should know that this community is united in expressing our deepest and most genuine prayers and condolences. Our community is united that this is unacceptable and we don’t want it repeated. We must stop the violence.

Scripture guides us to act in a time of tragedy saying, “Comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.”

Psalms also reminds us that, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” We must turn our hearts to God as we seek solace and healing in losing an officer of the law in such a senseless manner.

My office will work diligently with law enforcement to assist in this ongoing investigation as appropriate. We recognize this is a very difficult time for our East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office, which has lost a member of its law enforcement family. We express our deepest gratitude for their brave service, and assure them that Sgt. Anderson will always be remembered for his sacrifice to keep our community safe.

I’m calling for flags at all East Baton Rouge City Parish buildings to be flown at half-staff this week in honor of Sgt. Anderson. I’m also asking all of our citizens for your continued prayers, patience and thoughtfulness during this difficult time, as we are all in this together.
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