Statement from Chief Luke Strait and the Milwaukie Police Employees’ Association Regarding the Mass Shooting in Buffalo

As we all continue to process the deadly hate crime that happened in Buffalo on Saturday, we wanted to reach out specifically to our BIPOC community. Every indication is that this was a racially motivated and targeted attack of truly shocking proportions. We can only try to imagine all the ways incidents like this make our communities of color feel, and the lasting impact they have. Although the right words can be impossible to find, we know silence is also not the answer. We want to acknowledge how horrific this was and share the heartbreak, confusion and outrage this incident once again reignites. You’re not alone.

We can only commit to continue to work closely with our BIPOC community and the members of the Milwaukie Police Department to try to ensure our communities most impacted feel safe and supported. We cannot undo the harm that this incident has caused, but we will continue to combat the kind of hatred and evil that led to this horrific event.

Chief Luke Strait and the Milwaukie Police Department