Dallas Sheriff Lupe Valdez spoke at the Democratic National Convention Thursday night to offer some remarks about the strained relationship between police and civilians. While she acknowledged the police have been guilty of using excessive force, even against her own family, she decided to become an officer herself and promised that she and her team put on their badges every day to "serve and protect, not to hate and discriminate." She also offered a beautiful story about how four separate tables in a restaurant in which she was dining offered to pay for her bill, proving her community respected her service.
Following her remarks, she asked the audience to join her in a moment of silence for the fallen officers in Dallas, in and countless other cities that have faced similar tragedies. Her request was respected - until shouts of "Black Lives Matter" interrupted the touching moment.
Black Lives Matter protestors interrupt moment of silence at #DNCinPHL for fallen police officers pic.twitter.com/IXtvCWpm3v
— Charlie Spiering (@charliespiering) July 29, 2016
Disrespectful - and despicable.
Black Lives Matter activists have the right to protest against what they believe is police brutality - but during a moment of silence for murdered officers and the devastated families they've left behind? Unthinkable.
The DNC's "Stronger Together" theme is unfortunately out of reach at this point. This country needs some serious healing.