statement

Notified of the death of two Orlando-area police officers killed in the line of duty this morning – one shot, the other killed in a motorcycle crash responding to the shooting – state Senator Victor Torres (D-Orlando) issued the following statement: 
“This has been a day of tremendous sadness for all of the people served by the dedicated members of the Orlando Police Department and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. We have lost two brave and honorable police officers, who gave their lives in service to those they swore to protect.
“As a former New York City Transit Police Officer and lifelong public servant, I strongly condemn this violent act and I, too, pledge to work tirelessly to reform our laws, and end the ease with which hardened criminals can access high powered weapons. We owe at least this much to Sergeant Debra Clayton, and every other law enforcement officer who has made the ultimate sacrifice.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the family and colleagues of both officers killed in today’s tragic events. We must ensure that those who risk their lives every day in defense of our public safety will be protected under the full extent of our laws.”