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Elected leaders, candidates pay tribute to Ryan Hendrix

The death of a Henderson County sheriff's deputy intersected with the campaign for president on Sunday when Democratic nominee Joe Biden the condemned "horrific death of Deputy Ryan Hendrix" as well as "the cold-blooded shooting of two Los Angeles County deputies" on Saturday.

 

"Jill and I were devastated to learn of the cold-blooded shooting of two Los Angeles County deputies yesterday, as well as the horrific death of Deputy Ryan Hendrix, a Marine veteran and police officer killed in the line of duty in Henderson County, North Carolina," Biden, the former vice president said in a statement. "These attacks are absolutely unconscionable — they bring only greater violence, injustice, and grief to a nation in desperate need of healing.
"Brave officers who pin on the shield carry a sacred responsibility and make an extraordinary sacrifice. Just as they owe it to the American people to protect and serve with honor, restraint, and accountability, Americans owe it to them to lessen the needless danger of their inherently dangerous jobs. Acts of lawlessness and violence directed against police officers are unacceptable, outrageous, and entirely counterproductive to the pursuit of greater peace and justice in America — as are the actions of those who cheer such attacks on. Those who perpetrate these crimes must be brought to justice, and, if convicted, face the full brunt of the law.

"Jill and I are keeping these deputies and their loved ones in our hearts, and are praying for a full recovery for the two Los Angeles deputies now fighting for their lives."

In North Carolina, elected officials also commented on the deputy's death.

"My heart and prayers go out to the family of Deputy Ryan Hendrix of the Henderson County Sheriff’s Deptartment," state Sen. Chuck Edwards said. "The heinous act of the hardened criminal that shot him while in the line of duty again illustrates courage and leadership desperately needed from today’s elected officials."

Gov. Roy Cooper posted a statement on Facebook on Friday in support of Hendrix's family, the sheriff's office and community.
"Kristin and I are praying for Ryan Hendrix, who was shot and killed this morning while trying to keep his community safe," he said. "Our thoughts are with his loved ones, the Henderson County Sheriff’s Department and the entire community."