Leaders respond to deadly attack on police personnel

FOLLOWING THE brutal attack against a team of police officers in Horizon Park, Spanish Town, that left two cops dead and two others battling for life in hospital from gunshot wounds, leaders across the country have spoken.

PRIME MINISTER ANDREW HOLNESS:

I am deeply saddened to learn of the deadly turn of events which resulted in the death of at least two members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and the serious wounding of two others while on operation early this morning.

The killing of law enforcement officers is an immeasurable tragedy and we will not rest until the perpetrators are brought to justice.

OPPOSITION LEADER DR PETER PHILLIPS:

This attack is a clear attack on the country as a whole and demonstrates that violence is rampant and respect for the law is disappearing and that there is a willingness to kill that has spread in the criminal community.

Our heartfelt sympathies go out to those who are still battling in hospital at this time and to the families of the men who were killed also.

The Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) condemns the brazen attack and brutal killing of two members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force.

All well-thinking Jamaicans must see this tragic incident not just as an attack on the members of the JCF but as an attack on general law and order and ultimately on the people of Jamaica.

I am deeply saddened to learn of the death of these police officers while fulfilling their duty to serve and protect. On behalf of the PSOJ, I extend deep condolences to their families and colleagues and pray for the full recovery of the injured officers.

JAMAICANS FOR JUSTICE

Jamaicans for Justice sends condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the two police officers lost in the wake of an operation carried out in Horizon Park, St Catherine.

We recognise the extreme risk that members of the security forces undertake in their efforts to protect and serve our country and condemn the actions of the criminals who have prematurely terminated the lives of these officers.

IAN ALLEN/PHOTOGRAPHER Members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) converge on Queens Drive in Horizon Park, Spanish Town, St Catherine, where gunmen shot four police officers, killing two and wounding two on Friday.

LEFT: Dr Horace Chang (left) minister of national security and Major General Antony Anderson, commissioner of police in dialogue yesterday while at Queens Drive in Horizon Park, Spanish Town, St Catherine, where two lawmen were gunned down and two others injured.