Messages of Condolence

Attorney General Harris today issued the following statement on the death of Stockton Police Department Officer Scott Hewell:

“On behalf of the California Department of Justice, I extend my most sincere condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Officer Scott Hewell. Every day, law enforcement officers across our great state place themselves in grave danger in service of the greater good. Officer Hewell's dedication to serve the people of Stockton and the state of California will never be forgotten.”

SAN FRANCISCO -- California Attorney General Kamala D. Harris issued the following statement on the death of Maya Angelou: 

“Maya Angelou was one of history’s great lyricists whose words and deeds opened windows that allowed the world to see and appreciate the enduring principles of freedom, equality and justice. She had an immeasurable impact on the way I view the world and my place in it. Maya Angelou’s legacy will live on not only through her extraordinary body of work, but in the efforts of all those who fight for freedom, dignity and humanity.”

Attorney General Harris issued the following statement on the recent shootings in Santa Barbara:

"On behalf of the California Department of Justice, I extend my heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of the victims of Friday night’s terrible shooting in Isla Vista.  Our thoughts and prayers are with all who have been affected by these tragic acts of violence. My office will continue to work with local and federal law enforcement officials to support the ongoing investigation."

SAN FRANCISCO – Attorney General Kamala D. Harris today issued the following statement on the death of Los Angeles Police Department Officer Roberto Sanchez, who died this morning in the line of duty:

 “On behalf of the California Department of Justice, I extend my deepest sympathy to the family, friends and colleagues of Officer Roberto Sanchez. California’s entire law enforcement family has lost a devoted colleague. We will always remember his dedication to protect and serve the people of California. 

I thank the men and women of the Los Angeles Police Department for their service and remarkable professionalism following the deaths of now three colleagues in the past two months.”

LOS ANGELES – Attorney General Kamala D. Harris today issued the following statement on the death of Los Angeles Police Department Officer Chris Cortijo, who died today from injuries suffered in the line of duty:

“On behalf of the California Department of Justice, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Officer Cortijo, who tragically died today. The Los Angeles Police Department and California’s entire law enforcement community have lost a brave and dedicated colleague.

Officer Cortijo’s dedication to protect and serve the people of California will never be forgotten.”

LOS ANGELES – Attorney General Kamala D. Harris today issued the following statement on the death of Mendocino County Sheriff’s Deputy Ricky Del Fiorentino, who died today in the line of duty:

“On behalf of the California Department of Justice, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Deputy Ricky Del Fiorentino.

His tragic death is a stark reminder of the danger our brave men and women in law enforcement face every day to keep our communities safe. Deputy Del Fiorentino will never be forgotten by the people of California.”

LOS ANGELES – Attorney General Kamala D. Harris today issued the following statement on the death of Los Angeles Police Department Officer Nicholas Cheong Lee, who died this morning in the line of duty:

“On behalf of the California Department of Justice, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Officer Nicholas Lee, who died this morning in the line of duty.  His death is a grave loss for the dedicated men and women of the Los Angeles Police Department and the whole of California’s law enforcement community.

Our thoughts are also with the officer who was critically injured alongside Officer Lee. Across the state, brave police officers work tirelessly and place themselves in harm’s way to keep us safe and serve our communities. For this, we owe all of our uniformed men and women our gratitude, our respect and our steadfast support."

Los Angeles – Attorney General Kamala D. Harris expressed her condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of California Highway Patrol officers Juan Gonzalez and Brian Law, who died this morning in the line of duty.

“The deaths of officers Juan Gonzalez and Brian Law are a deep loss for all of our law enforcement community. Their commitment to serve will never be forgotten, and their sacrifice will forever be honored by the people of California and the brave men and women of the California Highway Patrol.  

On behalf of the California Department of Justice, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Officer Gonzalez and Officer Law who died tragically this morning in the line of duty.”

SAN FRANCISCO - Attorney General Kamala D. Harris expressed her condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of BART Police Detective Sgt. Tom Smith, who died in the line of duty yesterday.

“On behalf of the California Department of Justice, I extend my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Detective Sgt. Tom Smith. His sacrifice and service to the people of California will never be forgotten. The tragic loss of Detective Sgt. Smith reminds us of the danger our officers face everyday to keep our communities safe. My thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones and with all the brave men and women of the BART Police Department.”

TULARE - Attorney General Kamala D. Harris today released the following statement on the death of Tulare County Sheriff’s Deputy Jeremy Meyst:

“Deputy Meyst’s death is a tragic loss for our law enforcement family and the community he served. His dedication to protect and serve the people of California will never be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones and the men and women of the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department.”