Six police officers were shot, two fatally, in three cities across the United States on Friday night.
According to Breitbart, the attacks took place in Kissimmee, Florida, Jacksonville, Florida and Fayette County, Pennsylvania.
In the Kissimmee incident, NBC News reports that officers Sam Howard and Matthew Baxter “were checking suspects in an area of the city for drug activity when they were shot.”
Neither officer was able to return fire in that incident. Officer Baxter – a 3-year-veteran of the force – died on Friday night from his wounds while, according to CBS News, Officer Howard – a 10-year-veteran – succumbed to his injuries on Saturday.
A 45-year-old man has been arrested and charged with murder in that incident.
Over in Jacksonville, Breitbart reports that officers were responding to reports of a suicidal individual when that individual opened fire on them.
Both officers were wounded. They were able to fire back, killing the shooter – 25-year-old Derrick Rashard Brabham.
Meanwhile in Pennsylvania, ABC 6 reports that two Fayette County State Troopers were stopping a suspect wanted on a warrant when he pulled a gun from his backpack and fired several shots at them.
One of the officers was able to respond with fire, killing 26-year-old Clarence Belsar III, who was wanted in connection with stealing a video game console.
Please take a moment to pray for those affected by this string of violence.
Say a special prayer for the friends and family members of Officers Baxter and Howard, that God might bring them comfort at this incredibly difficult time.
If you feel so impressed, stop by the Kissimmee Police Department’s Facebook page to utter a few words of support for the staff members there as they deal with the deaths of their colleagues.
Also take a moment to say a few words of prayer for this nation’s police officers, who often deal with violent crime on a daily basis and put their lives on the line as a result.
