San Diego officials rally in support of law enforcement in wake of Baton Rouge shooting

SAN DIEGO (KUSI) — In the wake of violence against law enforcement in Baton Rouge, San Diego-area officials plan to gather to reaffirm their support for the police officers and sheriff’s deputies that keep communities across the county safe.

Elected officials including San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer, law enforcement officers and faith leaders plan to rally in Balboa Park at noon Monday and announce that they are standing together to support law enforcement officers, according to a San Diego police statement.

"We are saddened and horrified to see that another three of our fellow officers have been murdered by a senseless killer. We extend our deepest condolences to the families, loved ones of the fallen officers, and to the men and women who bravely serve alongside them in the Baton Rouge Police Department and East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Department.  We also hope for a swift recovery for the three officers who have been wounded in this attack.

Yesterday morning’s shooting in Baton Rouge is a grave reminder of the dangers that peace officers face every day and we stand with our law enforcement brothers and sisters not just in Baton Rouge, but nationwide.”

Law enforcement agencies around the United States have been beset by violence in recent weeks, most recently on Sunday when a 29-year-old man with ties to San Diego allegedly shot and killed three law enforcement officers and wounded three others in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Suspect Gavin Long listed a San Diego address with a 92108 ZIP code on a marriage license application filed in 2009 in Jackson County, Missouri. Long was a former Marine sergeant and was stationed for a time at Camp Pendleton and MCAS Miramar, according to media reports. He was killed during a shootout with police.

Several members of the local law enforcement community took to social media to express their condolences on Sunday.

Bishop Cornelius Bowser, who is known for hosting vigils for the victims of violent crimes, says he will not attend because San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer has overlooked rallies, vigils and marches held in response to violence in the city.

“I stand with law enforcement every day working with them to support victims of violence and their families; however, I will not let Mayor Faulconer use me as a pawn for his political agenda during this time of tragedy,” Bishop said.