Southwest Florida police, others react to Dallas ambush

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FORT MYERS, Fla. — Gov. Rick Scott, the Fort Myers Police Department and other local authorities are reacting to the ambush in Dallas that left five police officers dead and seven others injured at a protest against police-involved shootings.

Scott wrote Friday morning on his Facebook page, calling the ambush “a senseless and cowardly act.”

“Law enforcement officers across the nation bravely put their lives on the line every day in order to protect our homes, our communities, and our families. We join of all of America in mourning these fallen heroes and praying for the recovery of those injured,” Scott said in part.

“It was obviously an attack. You know, there’s no doubting that whatsoever,” said Fort Myers Interim Police Chief Dennis Eads. “To our officers today we said to be careful, be respectful, do your job, be professional and carry out with caution.”

The Cape Coral Police Department, in a statement on its website, pointed to the relationship between the department and citizens as key in a time of increasing tension in cities around the country.

“It is a trying time in our nation for law enforcement/community relations,” the statement read in part. “We don’t have all the answers. We have said it before: We are so incredibly fortunate to enjoy a fantastic relationship with our citizens. Without that relationship, we would not be able to do what we do.”

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office posted a number of images to its Facebook page, showing they stand beside those in Dallas.

The Collier County Sheriff’s Office also posted to Facebook to express appreciation for support and encouragement it said it had received Friday morning.

Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell also addressed the news out of Dallas via press release.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the fallen officers in Dallas,” Prummell wrote in part. “I have authorized the wearing of mourning bands in recognition of their losses.  The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office embraces the partnerships, relationships and support we have with all citizens within the County we serve. We continuously strive to not only maintain but enhance and expand upon our community efforts in order to show our commitment to a professional and community based agency.”

Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump canceled a planned campaign event in Miami today while Hillary Clinton scrubbed a planned rally in Pennsylvania with Vice President Joe Biden because of the events in Dallas. Clinton still planned to travel to Philadelphia for a scheduled appearance at the African Methodist Episcopal Convention.

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