San Diego Community Holds Unity Event
City Officials, Faith Leaders Gather In Support Of Law Enforcement
My colleague Mary Chastain reported that Black Lives Matter activists in Wichita, KS, joined their local police department for the First Steps Cookout to bring together their community.
San Diego took a different, though similar approach. City officials, area clergy, and our police representatives came together by our famous Balboa Park fountain in a display of civic unity.
“There is no doubt that our nation is hurting,” San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer told the crowd. “The recent string of unjustifiable deaths cuts all of us deeply. From Dallas to Baton Rouge and (other cities), this loss of innocent lives has left all of us raw.”
Bishop Cornelius Bowser, who is known for hosting vigils for local victims of violent crime, declined to attend today’s rally, saying Faulconer had overlooked vigils, marches and other demonstrations held in response to violence in the city.
“I stand with law enforcement every day, working with them to support victims of violence and their families,” Bowser said. “However, I will not let Mayor Faulconer use me as a pawn for his political agenda during this time of tragedy.”
San Diego Police Chief Shelly Zimmerman, who led the effort to contain the anti-Trump demonstrations during Donald Trump’s San Diego rally in May, indicates the recent attacks on police officers has only served to strengthen her organization’s resolve.
#SanDiego Police Chief @ChiefZimmerman says commitment to protect & serve even stronger amid national attacks @CBS8 pic.twitter.com/C9HPD1PnZS
— Heather HOPE (@HopeCBS8) July 18, 2016
Law enforcement and clergy come together in solidarity for community peace and respect for police @CBS8 @SanDiegoPD pic.twitter.com/e9Leo6UBaO
— Heather HOPE (@HopeCBS8) July 18, 2016
Other area police representatives extended their condolences for the officers killed in Baton Rouge and Dallas.
In the wake of the latest attack on peace officers, members of the local law enforcement community took to social media to express condolences. In a prepared statement, the Chula Vista Police Department announced that its sworn personnel would wear black mourning bands and that its flags would be flown at half staff “to honor those peace officers who paid with their lives.”
“Sadly, our society of freedom and liberty do not come without a cost,” CVPD officials stated. “We grieve with our fellow peace officers across the nation after another fatal attack in Louisiana.”
It turns out the shooter, Gavin Long, had a San Diego connection. He was a former Marine sergeant who did basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, followed by the School of Infantry at Camp Pendleton and service as MCAS Miramar.
Here’s to hoping that efforts in Wichita, San Diego, and other American communities stave off a repeat of the Summer of 1968.
(Featured Image via Twitter).
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Comments
Leslie ;
Thank you for another positive article. We can use more of what both Mary, & you are offering. It’ll be tough getting thru the rest of the year.
I’m glad you’re still here. I was starting to wonder.
Thanks, secondwind! I was on a birthday vacation last week in Maine. I think I managed to get the Maine lobster listed as an endangered species. It is good to be back, as the world usually goes to hell in a handbasket when one of the Legal Insurrection authors is away.
Having been in Maine, I’d guess your son had a good time.
Between the saltwater taffy, fishing with dad, and boogie boarding with mom…yes he did!