Elected officials, law enforcement and others from throughout the Southland — and elsewhere — are reacting to Saturday’s ambush slaying of Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer while sitting in his patrol car at a red light near the Palmdale Sheriff’s Station.
Here are some of their statements:
— Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, statement
“Words cannot describe my immense sorrow for the tragic loss of a brave deputy’s life tonight. My heart breaks for his family, his fellow officers, and the community at large.
There are a lot of unanswered questions — including who committed this heinous and brazen attack and why. Whoever is responsible must be prosecuted to the full extent of the law and brought to swift justice.
Our law enforcement officers selflessly put their lives on the line daily when they put on their uniform. These brave professionals fall under harsh scrutiny but it is undeniable that they risk their lives everyday as they work to protect our communities. Today’s loss is a terrible reminder of that reality.”
— Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn, on X (formerly Twitter)
“The shooting of a @LASDHQ deputy in his patrol car in Palmdale today is senseless and horrific. I’ve reached out to @LACoSheriff Luna. Tonight I’m praying for him, his friends, fellow deputies at @PalmdaleSheriff, and especially his loved ones.”
— Palmdale Mayor Laura Bettencourt, news conference statement
“(He is a) hero. Palmdale loves the sheriff’s deputies and the deputies take very good care of Palmdale and love our community back. The person that did this is a coward and they will be caught.”
— Derek Hsieh, executive director of the Association for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs, statement to Los Angeles Times
” It’s an outrage. An ambush is a targeted attack against law enforcement and it sends a really clear message.”
Others on X (formerly Twitter)
— State Senator Scott Wilk, who represents Palmdale,
“It is sickening, heartbreaking news.”
— Los Angeles Police Chief Michel Moore
“Tonight we pray. Blessed are the Peacemakers.”
— Los Angeles Police Department
“An @LASDHQ Deputy was brutally killed in a horrific ambush this evening. Our hearts ache for the fallen deputy’s loved ones and colleagues. We stand united with LASD, grieving the loss of a dedicated life committed to safeguarding Los Angeles County.”
— City of Palmdale
“Our City mourns the tragic loss of LASD Palmdale Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer. It is with heavy hearts that we extend our deepest condolences to his family and colleagues. We stand united with LASD and urge anyone with information related to this incident to come forward.”
— Palmdale Sheriff’s Station
“Yesterday, on Sept. 16, 2023, Palmdale Station lost one of our own. Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer was ambushed and killed in his patrol vehicle while he was on duty. Words cannot express the shock, sadness and anger over this senseless loss of an exemplary deputy and an even better human being. Deputy Clinkunbroomer strived for excellence in everything he did. He was very thorough in his investigations, genuinely cared for the community he served, and he was always willing to help out his partners any time they needed it. We are numb with grief and are grasping to come to terms with the fact that he has left a very big void within our station family.”
— Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station
“We are all heartbroken today. Our hearts and prayers are with our brothers and sisters at Palmdale Sheriff’s Station, as well as the family and loved ones of Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer. Thank you for your service, may you rest in peace.”
— Los Angeles School Police Department
“Our hearts are heavy as we mourn with our law enforcement brothers & sisters over the senseless murder of @LASDHQ Deputy Clinkhunbroomer. The Los Angeles School Police Department extends our condolences to his family, friends & colleagues. May he Rest In Peace. ”
— Arcadia Police Department
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the @LASDHQ and the friends and family of the @PalmdaleSheriff on the loss of their deputy tonight! We will never forget!! Rest easy our partner, we’ve got it from here!”
— Glendale Police Department
“The Glendale Police Department would like to extend our condolences to the family of Deputy Clinkunbroomer.”
— Brea Police Department
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer and the entire Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department during this difficult time.”
— Sacramento Sheriff’s Department
“With heavy hearts, we extend our condolences to the @LASDHQ after Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer was killed in the line of duty tonight. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and the men and women he served with.”
— National Police Association
“RIP LASD Palmdale Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer, murdered for the uniform he wore. Prayers for his fiancé, family, and @LASDHQ.”
