Following a news conference this afternoon, Joplin Police Department released audio and video of the events that led to the murders of Cpl. Ben Cooper and Officer Jake Reed, severe injury to Officer Rick Hirshey and the death of the killer.
The video was released following the completion of an investigation by the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
(Warning: The video includes footage that may be disturbing.)
My deepest condolences to the families of the 2 police officers who gave their lives and the other officer who survived but with serious injuries.
ReplyDeleteWith that said - one has to wonder about the timing of this release - that coincides with the Aug 2nd vote to increase personal and real property taxes for police and fire funding. These taxes will place an unfair burden on home and motor vehicle owners on fixed incomes (the rebate for low income property owners - will affect few and be minimal). Also, rents will have to be increased to cover these additional costs for landlords. This is not a good time to ask home owners for additional taxes - inflation is making it hard for people to cover all their expenses.
A much better way to fund this - would be to increase the sales tax (even though it will take longer due to getting state approval).
Also, many current police and fire personal will "retire" after 20 years and then be immediately rehired at at high pay rate - and accruing ADDITIONAL pension benefits on another plan (classic "double dipping"). The complete facts need to be presented - so that voters can make an "informed" decision.
^^ Came here to say the same thing. This is clearly meant to drum up support for the Aug. 2nd vote.
ReplyDeleteNothing about the cop that ran to Baxter to murder a toddler though I've noticed.
I will vote NO as I already am living at poverty level. I can barely afford the mortgage, utilities, insurance and current taxes.
ReplyDeleteI support law enforcement and firefighters in theory, but cannot pay more taxes, or I will end up homeless.
I am disabled and work a part time job already, as many hours as I am able. I get no government assistance such as food stamps or Medicaid.
I'm sorry, but I HAVE to vote NO.