Sen. Keith Wagoner, R-Sedro-Woolley, issued the following statement after Everett Police Officer Dan Rocha was killed today in the line of duty.

“The policies enacted by Democrats in Olympia over the last two legislative sessions have created an open season on law enforcement in our state. Today’s shooting is just another example of Democrats putting criminals ahead of our communities and our police officers. I am appalled by this lawlessness; Democratic lawmakers who continue to support these bad policies own these horrible outcomes. To make matters worse, this tragic incident comes on the same day that the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department is honoring and remembering one of their own officers after being shot and killed last week.

“We had the opportunity during this year’s session to restore many of the law enforcement tools that were stripped away by Democrats in 2021. Instead, the majority party doubled down on many of their policies and refused to listen to the voice of reason. These policies give criminals the upper hand and put us all at risk. This shooting is a direct result of their failure to empower the men and women in uniform who keep our neighborhoods and communities safe.”