Statement by Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton in Tribute to the Two Police Officers Killed in New York and Calling for Reconciliation Between Our Police and Our Communities

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Office of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) released the following statement by Norton on the killing Saturday of two New York City Police Department (NYPD) officers Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu:

"Along with the President, the nation, and especially New Yorkers, I want to express my sadness and sorrow upon learning of the killings of two NYPD officers. I know I also speak for the residents of the District of Columbia when I offer my deepest sympathy to the families of Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu. The murder of these two brave officers puts in bold relief the debt we owe the police, who protect us and our communities against known and unknown danger here in Washington, D.C., as well as in New York and throughout the country. It does a disservice to the long history of non-violent protest to link, in any way, the killing of these officers by a lone, unaffiliated gunman to the peaceful protests that have been occurring throughout the United States. During this holiday season let us pause to remember officers Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu, and in the spirit of the season, seek reconciliation between the police and our communities throughout the nation."