Condolences pour in for officers killed in Iowa ambush
Two central Iowa police officers were killed in "ambush-style" attacks early Wednesday, and news of their deaths reverberated around the nation.
Iowa and national leaders offered their condolences and paid their respects throughout the day:
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump
"Praying for the families of the two Iowa police who were ambushed this morning. An attack on those who keep us safe is an attack on us all," Trump tweeted just after 9:30 a.m. Wednesday.
Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton
"Heartbroken for the families of two brave officers who were killed in Iowa. There’s no justification for this kind of violence."
Republican vice presidential candidate Mike Pence
"Our prayers are with the two fallen Iowa police officers, their families and law enforcement. Our first responders represent the best of us."
Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad
"An attack on public safety officers is an attack on the public safety of all Iowans. We call on Iowans to support our law enforcement officials in bringing this suspect to justice. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the police officers who were tragically killed in the line of duty as well as the officers who continue to put themselves in harm’s way.”
Iowa police shootings: Complete coverage of fatal 'ambush style' attacks
U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley
“Barbara and I are praying for the families, fellow officers and loved ones of two of Iowa’s finest today. These officers were killed in what appears to be an unprovoked and cold-blooded act.
“Every day, our law enforcement officers go to work to keep us safe. No matter the circumstances, they answer the call in communities across Iowa. We all keep the officers in Des Moines, Urbandale and throughout Iowa in our thoughts as they respond to an ongoing dangerous situation.”
U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst
"My thoughts and prayers are with the two Iowa police officers who were killed in the line of duty, as well as their families and the entire Iowa law enforcement community as they face this devastating loss.
"Although the investigation is still unfolding, what appears to be an ambush attack of police in the line of duty is an attack on the community at large and all of the men and women who risk their lives every day to protect us. This was a senseless act of violence and it cannot be tolerated."
U.S. Senate candidate Patty Judge
“My heart goes out to the officers who were fatally shot, their families, and their fellow officers. This cowardly and senseless act of violence does not represent who we are as Iowans or Americans, and I am proud of our communities coming together to support our first responders. To have such a tragedy occur in our own backyard is a stark reminder of the sacrifices police officers, all first responders, and their families make to keep us safe. They are all in my thoughts and prayers every day.”
U.S. Rep. David Young
Rep. David Young said, "My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the two officers who were killed this morning in cowardly and senseless attacks. As we continue to learn more about these horrific shootings, we must stand together united as a community to ensure whoever is responsible is brought to justice. I’ve been in contact with — and offered our support to — local and state officials to help provide any federal assistance needed. May God bless and protect our brave men and women who serve to protect us each day."
3rd House District candidate Jim Mowrer
"I was deeply saddened to learn this morning of the horrible attack on our Des Moines and Urbandale police officers. We need to ensure that those who serve and protect our communities can do so safely and that they have all the resources they require to do their jobs and come home every day. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the two officers as well as with their brothers and sisters on the force, now working hard to catch the perpetrator and bring him to justice."
U.S. Rep. Rod Blum
"The shootings that cost two Iowa police officers their lives this morning are heartbreaking, and our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the officers.
"I have tremendous respect for the professionalism, skill, and bravery that our law enforcement officers have. I have witnessed this first-hand on numerous ridealongs with police forces across my district. We owe our law enforcement our gratitude for putting their lives on the line to protect us every day."
1st House District Congressional candidate Monica Vernon
"My heart goes out to the families of the two police officers who were so tragically killed serving their communities in the line of duty. These acts are truly unconscionable. The brave men and women who serve and protect us need our full support and I urge anyone with information on these devastating events to please contact your local police department."
U.S. Rep. Dave Loebsack
“The shooting of two law enforcement officers from Des Moines and Urbandale early this morning is beyond tragic. My thoughts and prayers are with the families, friends and fellow police officers of those who were killed. Police officers are sworn to protect and defend our communities and an attack any of them is unconscionable. I commend the hard work of law enforcement statewide for bringing the suspect in to custody in such a swift manner. I stand ready to support the community and police departments in any way I can be of assistance.”
2nd House District candidate Christopher Peters
"My team and I are joining people all across Iowa and the rest of the country today in mourning the loss of two public servants in the Des Moines area. The causes of this kind of violence are complex and the response should be led by members of the local community. I have great confidence in the ability of Iowans to come together to keep our neighborhoods safe."
U.S. Rep. Steve King
“Our hearts and prayers are with the families of our two Des Moines metro police officers who were tragically murdered early this morning. This is a sickening tragedy experienced by our state and nation today, and this is a very important time for us to stand together in support of our men and women in blue. Please join me in continued prayer for the affected families and for all of our law enforcement officers. They have lost two of their own and we have lost two of our heroes.”
Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller
“There are no words to adequately express my sorrow and heartache over the senseless murders of two police officers in the line of duty. I offer my deepest condolences to these officers’ families, their law enforcement colleagues, and loved ones.
"As Iowans, we are thankful for these two law enforcement heroes who tragically lost their lives. We are grateful for all the men and women in uniform who selflessly risk everything to protect us and keep our communities safe.
"I hope law enforcement officers across our state, who are feeling a profoundly numbing loss, can take at least some solace and comfort from the gratitude and support they have from Iowans.”
Iowa Democratic Party chair Andy McGuire
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and loved ones of the Des Moines and Urbandale police officers killed in this morning’s shootings. This despicable act of cowardice has no excuse. Our men and women in uniform risk their lives every day, and these brave officers paid the ultimate price for their dedication to keeping our communities safe.
“As authorities gather more information related to this horrific incident, we know that they will continue to keep us safe as they grieve for their fallen colleagues.”
Iowa Republican party chair Jeff Kaufmann
"My thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of Sgt. Beminio and Officer Martin who were killed this morning. This type of senseless violence has no place in our community. We must stand with our men and women in uniform who put their life on the line every day to serve and protect our communities. May we all continue to pray for peace in this dark time as the perpetrator is brought to justice."
Rudy Giuliani, who was in Iowa Wednesday on behalf of the Trump campaign
“First of all I want to begin by expressing my condolences, my heartfelt sorrow at the loss of two police officers, particularly what appears to be under the conditions of ambush. ...
“I don’t understand this hatred for the police now, this anger at the police. We don’t know what the circumstances of these shootings are so I’m not going to say much about that, and I don’t want to politicize it in any way except to say it brings me back to almost two years ago, in December of 2014, two police officers in New York City, Police Officers Ramos and Liu, were guarding a housing development because there had been a lot of crime in that development.
“They had actually been moved there to protect the people in that housing development. The man came all the way up from Baltimore, came up to their car and without any warning just assassinated both of them because of all the anger that was being created at that time about police shootings. ...
“So my sympathy goes to you. The reality is that before these shooting, police officer killings in this country, where police officers were being killed, is up 45 percent. This is not an isolated incident. This is happening all over the country."
Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts
"Praying for the officers and families impacted by the killings in Des Moines. This is a terrible tragedy. #SupportBlue"
Ohio Gov. John Kasich
"Ohio extends our prayers and deep condolences to the families and friends of the police officers murdered in Iowa."
U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch
A portion of Lynch's full statement follows:
“Before we begin today, I want to take a moment to address the senseless attacks that claimed the lives of two police officers early this morning in Des Moines, Iowa. A suspect is in custody, and the Department of Justice has offered any and all assistance to our state and local counterparts as they investigate these appalling attacks. We will continue to monitor the situation, and our U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of Iowa will remain in regular contact with local authorities.
"Violence has no place in the United States of America. It degrades our communities, and it demeans our values. And when that violence is coldly and deliberately directed at those who risk their lives to enforce the law and to keep us safe, it is especially intolerable. This tragic incident is yet another reminder of the tremendous dangers that law enforcement officers face each and every day. The men and women in law enforcement deserve our gratitude and our respect. ...
"I know that this is a time of particular tension and mistrust between law enforcement and many communities. I know that while we do not yet know what led the perpetrator to commit these awful crimes, many will be nevertheless be tempted to read a message or motive into this assault. But let me be clear: there is no message in murder. ... I ask that you keep the families and loved ones of the brave officers we lost this morning in your thoughts and prayers.”
Gov. Branstad released this statement just before noon Wednesday:
“Earlier this morning, like Iowans across our state, I woke to the tragic news of the horrific murders of Sgt. Beminio and Officer. Martin. I struggle to fully express the sorrow and sadness I feel for the families of our fallen officers, their departments, and their communities. The thoughts and prayers of Chris and I go out to the families of these officers and to those who served beside them.
"I am thankful for the swift arrest of the suspect and the joint efforts of state and local officials to make the arrest possible. I have asked the Department of Public Safety to assist local officials with the investigation if needed. State public safety officials stand ready to see justice served and safety maintained.
"As I said this morning, an attack on our public safety officers is an attack on the public safety of all Iowans. Our state and our law enforcement community are hurting right now. Today is a time for mourning. Today is also a time to come together, as Iowans always do, in support of these fallen officers, their families, and all those working to protect and serve in our state.”
Lt. Gov. Reynolds also released a statement just before noon Wednesday:
“Like so many, I was shocked and saddened to learn of the murders of Sgt. Beminio and Officer Martin. First and foremost, my family and I offer our prayers for the victims’ families and all of our law enforcement community. We mourn these heartbreaking losses.
"I am also reminded of the job our law enforcement officers are asked to perform day in and day out and how valiantly they do so. I also join Gov. Branstad in applauding the swift work of state and local law enforcement in the apprehension of the suspect.
"Today’s devastating news will undoubtedly affect all Iowans. The coming days will be difficult. I want our law enforcement community to know we stand with you, value your service for us, and you have our unwavering support. I hope everyone will keep the victims and their families in their prayers and support our law enforcement community through this trying time.”