Law enforcement agencies from across the Bay Area and officials from throughout the state on Sunday expressed their condolences for the officers killed by a gunman in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Authorities identified Montrell Jackson, 32, Matthew Gerald, 41 — both of the Baton Rouge Police Department — and Brad Garafola. 45, of East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office as the three officers who were fatally shot.
The San Francisco Police Department released a statement saying it is "deeply saddened and disturbed" by Sunday's tragic events. And "we remain vigilant in our resolve to continue to protect and serve the people of San Francisco."
The San Jose Police Officers Association also issued a statement: "When law and order breaks down to the point where out nation experiences 10 law enforcement officers killed over a 10-day period, then a serious look at who we are and what we have become must take place "
Meanwhile, some Bay Area law enforcement reacted in the name of safety. Santa Clara County Sheriff's deputies aren't taking any chances, requesting to do patrols in teams of two.
"When you see what is going on in our nation, doubling up on patrols is a way to mitigate that," said Roger Winslow of the Deputy Sheriffs' Association of Santa Clara County. "You have two people: one to drive and the other to watch for the bad stuff going on around us."
Former San Francisco police chief and current USF professor Tony Ribera said officers need to be on high alert.
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"The officers need to be aware and be quick to call for backup they have to recognize there is a potential threat every day," Ribera said.
Along with extending their thoughts and prayers for the families of the slain officers, some high-ranking California Democrats reiterated the pressing need for firearms regulations.
"This morning's shooting in Baton Rouge is a heartbreaking tragedy and a grave reminder of the dangers that peace officers face every day," state Attorney General Kamala Harris said in a statement. "I extend my deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the fallen officers and to the men and women who bravely serve alongside them in the Baton Rouge Police Department, East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Department and across the country."
The gunman was identified as Gavin Long, of Kansas City, Missouri. He was a Marine sergeant who served in Iraq, according to records obtained by NBC News.
In the wake of Sunday's attack coming just a couple of weeks after five officers were shot dead in Dallas, U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi called for a united but peaceful battle against hate.
"Concerned citizens in Baton Rouge and across America must create communities where inclusion, justice and peace thrive," Pelosi said in a statement. "We must continue to confront violence with peace, despair with understanding and hatred with love.”
Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom reacted with yet another demand for action from Congress.
"The endemic of gun violence terrorizing our society - inflicted upon police officers, nightclub goers, places of work, churches, movie theaters, schools, and disproportionately upon and within America’s minority communities – is by definition a political issue, and elected leaders must not back down from calling for tougher regulation of firearms and ammunition in fear of political retribution from these defendants of death," Newsom said in a statement.
"Enough is enough," he added. "I call again upon Congress to act immediately."
