Statement by Attorney General Lynch on Officer Shootings in Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch released the following statement on the death of two officers in Hattiesburg, Mississippi:

“The shocking assault on law enforcement officers in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, struck at the heart of that great city.  The Department of Justice stands ready to offer any possible aid to the Hattiesburg community as they investigate this appalling incident.  And we will continue to do all that we can to protect our officers across the country and support all those who wear the badge.

“Officer Benjamin Deen and Officer Liquori Tate were committed and courageous public safety officials, dedicated to their community and devoted to their mission.  They exemplified the very best that our country has to offer.  And as we go forward, the Department of Justice intends to honor their service and their sacrifice by fighting for the values they protected every day, and defending the American people they were proud to serve.

“Their loss is made even more tragic by the fact that, on the day they were killed this past Saturday, the country began observing Police Week – a time when we pause to remember and honor the more than 20,000 law enforcement officers who have been killed in the line of duty.  The murder of these young men is a devastating reminder that the work our brave police officers perform every day is extremely dangerous, profoundly heroic, and deeply deserving of our unequivocal support.  All Americans owe these courageous citizens a debt of gratitude.  The Department of Justice stands in solidarity with our brothers and sisters at every level of law enforcement as we mourn this most recent loss.”