Clinton devastated after police death

Posted: Friday, February 22, 2008 12:14 PM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: Ron Allen, Kelly O'Donnell

From NBC's Ron Allen and Kelly O'Donnell
A police motorcycle officer died after a crash escorting Clinton's motorcade in Dallas today. In a statement afterwards, Clinton called the accident is "devastating" news -- she feels "heart-sick" and expressed her condolences to the family and to the Dallas police department. Clinton placed a call to the chief, and she added that this reminds us of what people in law enforcement do everyday. "We respect their service."

VIDEO: A Dallas police officer was killed in a motor accident while escorting Sen. Hillary Clinton to a campaign rally. NBC's Peter Alexander reports.

Clinton looked profoundly upset by what had happened -- a routine police operation she's probably been part of countless times as first lady, senator and now presidential candidate.

It's also worth noting that at least two officers have died in accidents while working in motorcades for President Bush in the last few years. The incidents occurred in Honolulu and Albuquerque.

As of this writing, the Clinton motorcade is rolling slowly down a highway. We're heading to another event. It's such a contrast to the way motorcades usually race through cities and towns....with crowds catching a glimpse of dignitaries. The press bus is silent. I think everyone is just stunned. Such an unexpected tragedy.

*** UPDATE *** Per NBC's Christina Jamison, what was supposed to be a rally in Fort Worth is now being cut short. Senator Clinton will make brief remarks here in Fort Worth -- she spoke with the Dallas police chief on the drive over here, and then she is going to go visit the officer's family while the traveling press is taken to the airport.

EMAIL THIS

Comments

*Cough* Vince Foster *Cough*

uh oh (Sent Friday, February 22, 2008 1:21 PM)

My thoughts and prayers are with the motorcycle officer's family. Regardless of our choice of candidate or how anyone may feel about Hillary Clinton, they are all human beings. Anyone of them would be upset. I'm proud for Hillary's decision to cut short a rally and visit with the officer's family.
I'm also a biker. Go with God fellow biker!

Eileen, Navarre, FL (Sent Friday, February 22, 2008 1:23 PM)

Looks like Jane Doe was right. Obama supporters are already posting that she is going to use this incident to her advantage. That must be why her travelling press is going to the airport while she goes to visit the officer's family. If the animosity between opposing camps cannot be suspended over a tragedy such as this, how can we expect to take back the White House in November?

My condolences to the officer's family and brothers in the department for your loss.

Shtuey (Sent Friday, February 22, 2008 1:25 PM)

I would think Sen. Clinton should be thinking of the family for once and not about herself. Come on folks, some great police officer died just to cover her escort. She should not go on the air tonight or rally. She should take some of her fund raising money and give this Family a Support Fund for about a million or 2 million.. D.W.

Dodie (Sent Friday, February 22, 2008 1:27 PM)

CC: You are a piece of work. Next time just shut your trap and keep your fingers off the key board.

Maxx, Los Angeles, CA (Sent Friday, February 22, 2008 1:28 PM)

First off I’d like to send my condolences to the Officers Family. This is tragic news. May you find solace in the fact that your loved one is in gods hands now.

As for Jane Doe, your comments are self serving and shameless. Before you make “blanket” statements about Obama supporters “having no compassion”, you should read what some of the Hillary supporters are writing. Absolutely tacky and uncalled for!!!

Tim J Chicago, IL (Sent Friday, February 22, 2008 1:28 PM)

J. Merle Stanley....I remain shocked by your comments...you have no decency man. If I were Hillary Clinton coming upon you I would slap your face. No candidate wants your kind of support.

William, Eri,WI (Sent Friday, February 22, 2008 1:28 PM)

If NBC brings up previous auto accidents, then they should recall that Hillary Clinton had another incident in which an officer was hit and injured. That happened not too long after 9/11 attacks and I don't think she showed much sympathy to the injured officer.

I guess with an important election for Hillary, her handlers and multimillion advisors have told her to be more caring and misty-eyed in front of the cameras...

Dawn @ Ariz (Sent Friday, February 22, 2008 1:30 PM)

To: robby10001, Washington, DC

She has to make a statement off course. She is sorrounded by the media, naturally they will put her in front of a camera and a microphone. You will be too if you were in her shoes - a Presidential nominee.

Please stop painting her as this oppurtunistic inhumane individual. I'm glad there are some Obama supporters who do not feel the same way you do.

She's cancelled her speaking engagement - as much as she needed those votes - sent the media on the plane while she headed to the family of the officer.

No one is gaining anything out of this. A life was just lost.

Joyce, NY, NY (Sent Friday, February 22, 2008 1:32 PM)

Joy from Houston, TX. It ashame that i would respond to your non-sense. But, supporting a candiate is the American way. Just because you may not support Obama doesn't mean you should demeanor yourself by calling others that do, names. Grow up and let's all be Americans and adults about this, enough name calling, haven't this country been divided long enough, haven't we all suffered enough. Support who you will, but let's be civil about it. And if you support a cultist leader that's your business. I support the future President of the United States of America.

K.W. Philadelphia, PA (Sent Friday, February 22, 2008 1:32 PM)

This officer died while escorting Hillary's motorcade. The right thing to do is for her to visit with the family and express her condolences. If she didn't go she would be criticized. Enough is enough...this is why the best will not run for political office because their every move is highly scrutinized. We are moving down the road to continued mediocrity in the White House.

Yoli, New Jersey (Sent Friday, February 22, 2008 1:33 PM)

J. Merle Stanley, how will you possibly cope should there be an Obama/Clinton ticket?

You do Hillary, our party and our nation no good service, sir.

William, Erin, WI (Sent Friday, February 22, 2008 1:37 PM)

My husband is a police officer in TX and I am moved that the Senator not only went to the hospital and met with the family but cancelled a politically IMPORTANT event.

You can spin this all you want. . but it just shows that we are more jaded than the politicians. Actions do speak louder than words. What senator Clinton has done is classy and inspirational and most of all the right thing to do. I pray for them. Mags in Texas

Magda, The Bay TX (Sent Friday, February 22, 2008 1:38 PM)

this election is scaring me, people bickering. Even the tv staions I posted a comment on cnn website about campbell brown on several occasions not letting
hillary answer her question by stopping her but gave obama his time. they left in on the board maybe 2 seconds before removing it. the media is so biased. I afraid of where all this is heading.

sam (Sent Friday, February 22, 2008 1:39 PM)

Anytime an officer goes down, it is a tragedy....

My heart goes out to the family.....

jerry/corpus christi texas (Sent Friday, February 22, 2008 1:41 PM)

Oh big words Jane Doe - I was actually going to say something sympathetic, but since you DARE me to.... haha what a crock. Are you gonna come find me or something? Maybe you should offer your OWN condolences on the ISSUE rather than judge peoples'comments

Jeez these People (Sent Friday, February 22, 2008 1:41 PM)

Wow i am so sorry for the family,community and fellow officers facing this tragedy. Thoughts and prayers are with them and also Senator Clinton.No matter who you are the trama is overwhelming.Your class shows through even now. Take Care

Mox (Sent Friday, February 22, 2008 1:41 PM)

Terrible. I love Obama but thats bad news and bad timing for hill. Maybe she needs to just drop out.
UGH

Nj (Sent Friday, February 22, 2008 1:44 PM)

Hey Joy,?
Maybe you should be named Joy-less

Nj (Sent Friday, February 22, 2008 1:45 PM)

I wouldn't put it past a Clinton to kill an officer for a tear and a hospital visit. A Clinton's refusal to chase down then-al-Qaeda affiliates after the 93 WTC bombing, the US embassy bombings around the world in the 90s, and after the USS Cole is the reason Osama thought he could get away with 9/11.

Just one more person's blood on a Clinton's hands for political evil.

Burn for It (Sent Friday, February 22, 2008 1:45 PM)

can NY iam so ashamed that you can put ny on your post. You are one of the rudest crudest and meanest people i have had the misfortune to be in contact with . I am from ny but would feel some compassion for ALL those involved no matter who.You should have signed it ob sheep on duty. I am sure even he would have not approved your smut.My prayers are with fallen,her family and Senator Clinton and all those that were her.

ep-ny (Sent Friday, February 22, 2008 1:46 PM)

Is J. Merle Stanley and Ann Coulter the same person?

Eric, Fairfax, Va. (Sent Friday, February 22, 2008 1:58 PM)

After almost 29 years on the job it hurts when a brother goes down. God bless the officer and his family.

Phred, NH (Sent Friday, February 22, 2008 1:59 PM)

An omen of the future, Hillary Clinton's campaign has been on life support. Since Super Tuesday, to paraphrase Bill, "this has been a wreck."

Terry Head, Chicago, Illinois (Sent Friday, February 22, 2008 1:59 PM)

My thoughts and prayer go out the family of the departed and Her Excellency Hillary R. Cliton. Very unfortunate event. May his soul rest in Peace. I am so sorry.
Jim 4 OBAMA 08

Jim.......Minneapolis, Mn (Sent Friday, February 22, 2008 1:59 PM)

If anyone or anything has done something wrong, it's the MEDIA. They are so busy playing politics and taking an opportunity to bash one of the candidates, they are totally ignoring the loss of a public servant.
I have yet to see infomation about the officer, his/her life, what caused the accident, etc.

The Media is doing a piss poor job in providing impartial information to the public....on many, many issues.

God be with the loved ones in their time of loss.

Charlotte (Sent Friday, February 22, 2008 2:01 PM)

The Clinton haters are mostly closet republicans and after they get thru poisoning our primary process, they will be voting for McCain in the fall. MSNBC is almost a 24/7 commercial for Obama. Time magazine has even commented on this in one of their magazines. I was a very loyal viewer and almost never missed Olbermann. I got over my addition and the only time I watch MSNBC and NBC, is when I am surfing the news stations.

gene britton (Sent Friday, February 22, 2008 2:01 PM)

This is so tragic for the family and for Hillary's team. Most of those at the rally did not even know this had happened! Hillary has never done anything to make anyone feel like she doesn't care about human life. She's been fighting for us (and will continue to fight for us) no matter what criticism comes her way. I think it is very unfortunate that Obama can have supporters who are so ignorant and malicious.

Gina, Dallas, TX (Sent Friday, February 22, 2008 2:05 PM)

Re: J. Merle Stanley's comment:

"Cops, firemen, first responders, soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen...ALL who serve. THESE are the people "Pimp Daddy B.O." would sell-out by negotiating UNCONDITIONALLY with terrorist thugs, and communist dictators."

J. Merle, you just negated everything following that unwarranted comment with your vile, vicious attempt at character assassination. In light of such a tragic loss of life, can't you put your vitriol and hatred aside for even one moment? You should be ashamed of yourself and the reflection that you make on the candidate for which you support. DO NOT use the sacrifice of our law enforcement professionals as an opportunity to spew your nonsense; this does absolutely nothing to serve the public interest and is truly despicable.

Alayna in Seattle (Sent Friday, February 22, 2008 2:07 PM)

Is J. Merle Stanley and Ann Coulter the same person? -Eric, Fairfax

I was thinking the same thing. I'm a Hillary supporter and certainly don't want people like that supporting my candidate. I suspect Obama supporters don't want people like Dawn @ Ariz supporting their candidate either.

All Democrats should vote for the Democratic nominee no matter who it is.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the officers family as well.

NY, NY (Sent Friday, February 22, 2008 2:08 PM)

THIS IS THE MOST IGNORANT THING I'VE EVER HEARD - TOO BAD OBAMA'S SUPPORTERS ARE SO CLUELESS - THIS PERSON OBVIOUSLY DOES NOT REALIZE THAT GW BUSH WAS THE PRESIDENT WHEN THIS HAPPENED AND WAS RESPONSIBLE...

Burn for It (Sent Friday, February 22, 2008 1:45 PM)
I wouldn't put it past a Clinton to kill an officer for a tear and a hospital visit. A Clinton's refusal to chase down then-al-Qaeda affiliates after the 93 WTC bombing, the US embassy bombings around the world in the 90s, and after the USS Cole is the reason Osama thought he could get away with 9/11.

Just one more person's blood on a Clinton's hands for political evil.

GINA, DALLAS, TX (Sent Friday, February 22, 2008 2:11 PM)

My Prayers for the Officers family near and dear ones.May God help them all through this tough time.

Taruna, Herndon, Va (Sent Friday, February 22, 2008 2:14 PM)

why are we sending thoughts and prayers to the Clinton camp? Nobody died there. We should be sending ALL our prayers to the family and friends of this police officer who lost his life. Focus on that please. Send prayers to Hillary, yeah as if..

joeb (Sent Friday, February 22, 2008 2:16 PM)

Once a Hillary Hater, always a Hillary hater. It just shows that some people aren't voting for Obama because they believe in him but because they HATE Hillary and will look for any reason to look down on her. She is human. I don't know many people, even soldiers trained to kill, who don't have some emotion at watching a person die. I'm sure the family of the officer would appreciate knowing that thier family members service was appreciated. It's way more than the President does for all of the families who have lost sons, daughters, husbands, wives, etc in his elective war.

A of Illinois (Sent Friday, February 22, 2008 2:18 PM)

gene britton (Sent Friday, February 22, 2008 2:23 PM)

The Clinton campaign has been on life support since Super Tuesday. When discussing the Leave No Child Behind Act, Bill Clinton said, "It's been a wreck," an eerie omen.

Terry Head, Chicago, Illinois (Sent Friday, February 22, 2008 2:24 PM)

J. Merle - this is not the time or place to bash either of the candidates. Please go away and quit trying to prove what a vile piece of trash you are, we get it already.

What a sad little person you are (Sent Friday, February 22, 2008 2:26 PM)

Gina- I absolutely do NOT appreciate you lumping all supporters of Senator Obama's campaign with the shameful and horrible comments made by "burn for it." Would you appreciate it if I said all Clinton supporters are just like J Merle Stanley and his hateful diatribe?

A human being has lost his life. Let's not take our eyes off the ball, huh?

Jay, NM (Sent Friday, February 22, 2008 2:26 PM)

robby10001, Washington, DC and some other Obama supporters here:

You all deserve I step on you and squash you to death! Your minds have been twisted by Obama's cult like speeches (though he didn't mean to have them twisted). Why majority of Obama supporters on the internet show low class, even won't let go of a tragedy like this one? Most of you demonstrated again and again you are just a bunch of haters, morons, non-educated empty heads with no brains, basically no human!!!! The only time you look normal is on the day of Halloween!

Yuquan, Lextington, MA (Sent Friday, February 22, 2008 2:27 PM)

"Uh Oh" - You are showing just how ignorant you are. You need to be showing respect to the officer and his family.

Peg (Sent Friday, February 22, 2008 2:27 PM)

Simply tragic. My sympathies and prayers to the family and those in the motorcade who are emotionally affected.

Further:

To the lunatic conspiracy theorists who inhabit this venue, Democrat and Republican alike, some of whom who have already spewed:

You're no better than a crack addict who is convinced they feel better after doing more damage to themselves and those around them.

Pathetic.

Richard, Washington State (Sent Friday, February 22, 2008 2:34 PM)

You people are entirely crazy and vicious. I blog over at Wonkette, which discusses politics with references to weird copulatory positions and beastiality; your exchange is more debased and upsetting. This unfortunate fellow is dead, it has nothing to do with anything other than the events' proximity to a political candidate. Everyone should grow up and talk about something else.

JJR, Boston Ma (Sent Friday, February 22, 2008 2:36 PM)

Obama supporters seem to be full of hate and anger.
Seems every negative word has been posted by one of his followers.

I do not feel inspired by Obama, but I do not hate him. I remember John and Robert Kennedy. I know what it feels like to be inspired. If he had lived, my first Presidential vote would have been cast for Bobby.

I'll be voting for Hillary.

Charlotte (Sent Friday, February 22, 2008 2:37 PM)

Well, I am a Hillary Clinton supporter and I could careless about the officer. It is not about him. It is about getting my candidate, Hillary Clinton nominated and then elected. Forget about the simple public servant, and concentrate in Hillary, please.

Hillary 08 or die!

Support Hillary, Texas (Sent Friday, February 22, 2008 2:37 PM)

It's very sad to lose a dedicated protector of society.

But for HRC to say she is DEVASTATED? SHE DID NOT SEE THE ACCIDENT. She never met the man.

She was gracious is not having the rally.

But she is trying to get sound bites on the news.

Notice she uses the same words "THIS IS VERY PERSONAL TO ME", when ever she wants sympathy.

I'm sure she make a big thing of it and be at the funeral.

This just saved her campaign.

Be Real (Sent Friday, February 22, 2008 2:38 PM)

It is terrible that people are bashing Clinton over this. My deapest condelences to the officers family.

People, please save it for another post.

FJ, Philadelphia PA (Sent Friday, February 22, 2008 2:38 PM)

Stop. Everyone just STOP IT ALREADY. A man has died in service to his country, his state, and every one of us. This is not about the campaign, either candidate, or its supporters. A great deal of the people posting about this article need to take a look deep inside and give their conscience a good scrubbing. Some of you are making me ashamed to be an American.

Concerned (Sent Friday, February 22, 2008 2:39 PM)

Charlotte, you need to take another look at these posts. It's coming from both sides and it is ALL shameful behavior. Just look at the post below yours if you need an example.

Jay, NM (Sent Friday, February 22, 2008 2:42 PM)

I'm very sorry for the police family. Let talk more about there loss instead of Hillary. Go Obama!!!!

Duane Seattle (Sent Friday, February 22, 2008 12:56 PM)
-----------

And, the 'Go Obama!!!' is talking about the loss how?

LSC - Montana (Sent Friday, February 22, 2008 2:46 PM)

Well, I am a Hillary Clinton supporter and I could careless about the officer. It is not about him. It is about getting my candidate, Hillary Clinton, nominated and then elected. Forget about the simple public servant and concentrate on Hillary, please. Hillary voted to authorize the Iraq War. If she has never apologized to all of the dead and injured soldiers, then why would she truly feel sorry for this petty thing on a motorcycle.

Hillary 08 or die!

Hillary supporter (Sent Friday, February 22, 2008 2:46 PM)

<< Previous

Next >>

SEND A COMMENT

PLEASE READ: All comments must be approved before appearing in the thread; time and space constraints prevent all comments from appearing. We will only approve comments that are directly related to the blog, use appropriate language and are not attacking the comments of others.

Message (please, no HTML tags. Web addresses will be hyperlinked):

Your name, city and state (John Doe, Seattle, Wash.):

Your e-mail address (jdoe@msnbc.com):

Your website (it's okay if you don't have one):

Remember me? (We'll keep it private) Remember me?

TRACKBACKS

Trackbacks are links to weblogs that reference this post. Like comments, trackbacks do not appear until approved by us. The trackback URL for this post is: http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/trackback.aspx?PostID=691661