State Rep. Mike Harris, R-Waterford, who served 26 years in law enforcement, today issued the following statement after Mohamed Said, a Melvindale police officer, was shot and killed on Sunday:

“Today, like so many other Michiganders, I have a heavy heart and a deep sense of outrage. In just one month, Michigan has lost three courageous law enforcement officers: Oakland County Deputy Brad Reckling, Hillsdale County Deputy William Butler Jr., and now Melvindale Police Officer Mohamed Said.

“To the families and friends of Deputy Reckling, Deputy Butler, and Officer Said: Your pain is unimaginable, and your loss is shared by us all. We stand with you in your grief and are committed to seeking justice for these fallen heroes.

“These officers dedicated their lives to protecting us, and their senseless deaths are an affront to the very fabric of our society. These losses are not only tragedies for the officers’ families, colleagues, and communities, but also a wake-up call for all of us.

“We must channel our grief and outrage into unwavering support for our law enforcement community — fostering a culture that values and protects those who risk their lives to keep us safe. We need to provide our officers the tools, training, and protections necessary to do their jobs safely. We must ensure those who perpetrate violence against our law enforcement officers face the full, just weight of the law. This is not just a matter of policy but a moral imperative.

“The sacrifices of Deputy Brad Reckling, Deputy William Butler Jr., and Officer Mohamed Said must not be in vain. Let us honor their memory by standing together, speaking out against violence, and ensuring that our law enforcement officers receive the respect, support, and protection they so rightfully deserve — as they respect, support, and protect all of us.”