Thursday night’s shooting of law enforcement officers in downtown Dallas was felt in Calgary where a number of Texans are currently visiting, or competing in, the Calgary Stampede.
“It’s really scary,” said bareback rider Tilden Hooper who lives west of Dallas-Fort Worth in Weatherford, Texas. “It’s really scary it’s happening to our first responders ‘cause those are the people we depend on to save us.”
According to police, a 25-year-old former army reservist ambushed officers at a rally in Dallas protesting recent cop shootings in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Falcon Heights, Minnesota. Five officers were fatally wounded during the ordeal while seven officers and two civilians were injured.
The suspected gunman did not survive.
Steer wrestler KC Jones lives roughly 70 kilometres outside of Dallas in Decatur, Texas. He says he’s struggling to understand what’s happening back home.
“I don’t know what it's coming to,” said Jones. “Our first responders, our police, our firemen and whatnot, they should have respect.”
“I don't know what's going on anymore.”
Clayton Hass, a steer wrestler from Terrell, Texas, has friends on the force.
“Them guys are law enforcement, taking care of our safety there, and somebody come in and shoot them guys?” said Hass. “I've got some good friends that are down there and lucky them guys are safe.”
In the infield stands, Steve Havener said he's saddened by the violence in his home state.
“It was a tragic thing,” said Havener. “I feel sorry for all the families that lost love ones.”
Mayor Nenshi says the violence in Dallas has an impact on many in the Stampede city.
“This act of violence in Dallas hits home,” said Nenshi. “So many Calgarians have so many linkages to that city through business and through friendship.”
“Whenever police officers are targeted it's a terrifying thing.”
During Friday’s Calgary Stampede rodeo, the Dallas first responders, and first responders worldwide, were honoured with a somber tribute.
With files from CTV's Chris Epp
