Watch CBS News

Politicians, Officials Respond To Baton Rouge Police Shootings

BATON ROUGE (CBSNewYork) -- Three police officers were killed, and another three wounded in a police-involved shooting in Baton Rouge, Louisiana early Sunday.

One suspect was reported dead early Sunday afternoon, while area police searched for up to two additional suspects.

WATCH: LIVE COVERAGE OF BATON ROUGE SHOOTINGS | PHOTOS

Local politicians and government officials from across the country expressed their condolences:

Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards asked the public to pray for the officers involved and their families. He is expected to hold a press conference on the issue later this afternoon.

"This is an unspeakable and unjustified attack on all of us at a time when we need unity and healing," Edwards said in a statement. "Rest assured, every resource available to the State of Louisiana will be used to ensure the perpetrators are swiftly brought to justice."

Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy said: "We grieve for the families of the officers shot in Baton Rouge. This senseless violence must end."

President Barack Obama says he condemns, in the strongest sense of the word, the attack on law enforcement in Baton Rouge.

Obama says the attacks on police officers, the second in two weeks, are "attacks on public servants, on the rule of law, and on civilized society, and they have to stop. "

In a statement issued Sunday, Lynch says she condemns the shooting deaths of three officers and the wounding of several others "in the strongest possible terms." She also is pledging the full support of the Justice Department as the investigation unfolds.

The attorney general says Agents from the FBI and Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms are on the scene, and Justice Department will make available victim services and federal funding support, and provide investigative assistance to the fullest extent possible.

Lynch says everyone's hearts and prayers are with the fallen and wounded officers, their families and the entire Baton Rouge community in "this extraordinarily difficult time."

Presumptive GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump released a statement on Twitter and Facebook, saying:

"We grieve for the officers killed in Baton Rouge today."How many law enforcement and people have to die because of a lack of leadership in our country? We demand law and order."

Presumptive Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton said the shootings are an assault "on all of us."

Clinton said there is no justification for attacks on men and women "who put their lives on the line every day" to protect families and communities.

The New York Police Department issued a statement Sunday instructing officer to remain in pairs when on assignment, following suit with similar instructions given to law enforcement officials following the shooting of five police officers in Dallas earlier this month.

Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal called for "leadership on all levels:"

"My heart goes out to the loved ones of brave law enforcers who have been lost or injured in Baton Rouge. This violence must stop. Today's heinous attack is yet another devastating reminder of the painful toll gun violence takes on our country. At a time of anguish and anger, we must seek unity in our pursuit of peace and justice. Leadership at all levels is desperately needed to bring us together."

On Long Island, Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone authorized all flags to fly at half staff in solidarity for the lives lost in Louisiana. Suffolk County officials have also said they will be on alert following the attacks.

Dallas Police Chief David O. Brown also offered his condolences on Twitter:

Stay tuned to CBSNewYork.com as this story develops.

 

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.