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Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick called on citizens to show more appreciation for officers and to honor those who have given their lives in the line of duty.
Patrick says Harris County Deputy Darren Goforth’s death highlights negative attitudes about law enforcement officers.
“This open war and violence of verbal attacks and violent attacks, and deadly attacks must end now in America,” Patrick says.
Hundreds of residents and members of local law enforcement agencies attended the event at the First Baptist Church of Conroe Wednesday.
Goforth was fatally shot Friday night while fueling his patrol vehicle at a gas station near Cypress. Officials have not given a motive for what seems to be an unprovoked shooting.
After the event, Woodlands resident Belton Byrd said he found the slaying disturbing and finds comfort in prayer.
“We need to be one country,” Byrd says. “We need to unite together and make sure that we stand together and support each other through this problem that we have right now. This too will pass. It’s just a matter of time.”
A defense attorney for accused killer Shannon Miles says his client was committed to a county psychiatric center in 2010, and will undergo a psychological evaluation on this case.