Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.) condemned the killings of two New York City police officers.
“I join the millions of Americans sickened and grieving after this weekend’s senseless murder of two members of the NYPD,” Cardin said on Monday. “Law enforcement officers put their lives on the line daily to defend the freedoms we enjoy as Americans.”
{mosads}The shooter reportedly posted messages online inferring the killings were revenge for the recent deaths of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo., and Eric Garner in Staten Island, two unarmed black men who were killed in confrontations with white police officers. In both cases, grand juries declined to bring charges, sparking protests across the country.
“The attack on Officers Ramos and Liu was a heinous attack on two brave public servants and the rule of law,” Cardin said. “My thoughts and prayers are with the Ramos and Liu families, the entire City of New York, and all law enforcement who serve honorably to protect our communities.”
Some Republicans have blamed Democrats for inciting the violence against the police.
After Brown’s death, Cardin called for passage of his bill aimed at better training law enforcement not to use racial profiling.
Justin Sink contributed.