Austin Conservatives respond to recent shootings, Dallas tragedy

Austin-area conservatives are extending, not only their condolences for recent shootings, but are also organizing efforts to help increase dialogue between law enforcement and the community at large.

This post will be reserved for those efforts, as well as official statements from local leaders and candidates.

"It's Time for Unity" Town Hall (Manor and Pflugerville)

Wednesday, July 13, 6:30 p.m., Manor Methodist Church. East Travis County residents (particularly Manor and Pflugerville) are invited to this event featuring Manor Police Chief Ryan Phipps and Pflugerville Police Chief Chuck Hooker to discuss concerns that the community may have in relation to recent events and what local law enforcement departments are doing to better connect with the community. Sponsored by the Gabriel Nila Campaign, the MLK Association of Austin, Diaspora Vote, the Austin Togolese Society, and others. This event is a work in progress --see the Facebook Event page for more details and updates: https://www.facebook.com/events/255674838152789

Statement from Joe Martinez, Republican candidate for Travis County Sheriff

“Like all Americans, I watched the terrible events in Dallas unfold in sheer horror, as the worst mass casualty event for law enforcement since 9/11 was occurring before our very eyes.
“Immediately my thoughts went to the families of the Dallas Police and DART officers who were senselessly killed or injured.

“I am pleased that U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch today launched a federal hate crime investigation and that Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has offered any assistance possible from the state.

“It is clear that in many parts of America, African Americans are afraid of police officers, especially after what happened this week in Minnesota and Louisiana.

“We should continue to support sensible police reform, as we are in Austin with an effort to install police body cameras already underway.

“In Dallas the Police Department had an excellent reputation for community policing, which makes these events so difficult to understand.

“As a candidate for Travis County Sheriff, I pledge to work to strengthen the bonds between our brave law enforcement officers and the Travis County community, by establishing my Community Advisory Board, by increasing diversity sensitivity training, and by having officers out in the community more in order to facilitate building relationships in getting to know the people we pledge to protect so that all Austinites and Travis County citizens feel safe.

“At this time, it is more important than ever that we lift these police officers up in prayer and support their grieving families. We are all one American family.”

Source: Joe Martinez campaign.