>> On Rare.us: Slain Douglas County Deputy identified as Zackari Parrish, 29
Through tears, she thanked everyone at the church and also asked friends, family and colleagues of her husband to come forward and tell stories about him.
"I am overwhelmed with by the love and support of the community and of the nation. Never in my world would I have imagined this," she said, according to KUSA. "And I will raise my girls to love you."
The most moving moment of the vigil came when Parrish's 4-year-old whispered in her ear.
Vigil Held To Honor Deputy Killed In The Line Of DutyThe wife of fallen Deputy Zackari Parrish was the first to speak at a vigil for him, with their daughters by her side. "I am overwhelmed by the love and support of the community and of the nation. Never in my world would I have imagined this," Gracie Parrish said.
Posted by CBS Denver on Monday, January 1, 2018
"It's OK, Mama, it's OK. Just be happy," the girl said.
“I will do everything in my power, Zack Parrish, to honor you. And I will raise these girls to love you,” Gracie Parrish said.
President Donald Trump reacted on Twitter Sunday afternoon to the news of Parrish’s death in the line of duty by sending condolences to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office victims and their families.
My deepest condolences to the victims of the terrible shooting in Douglas County @DCSheriff, and their families. We love our police and law enforcement - God Bless them all! #LESM
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 31, 2017
“My deepest condolences to the victims of the terrible shooting in Douglas County @DCSheriff, and their families. We love our police and law enforcement – God Bless them all! #LESM” he said.
Parrish was killed and four others law enforcement officers were wounded Sunday, New Year's Eve. Two civilians were also injured.
These are the names of the @dcsheriff deputies shot this morning #9NEWS https://t.co/hBpOwi8Ubc pic.twitter.com/UfxGumVOGP
— Shaun Griswold (@shaun505) December 31, 2017
The shooting happened after deputies were called to the scene of a domestic disturbance in Highlands Ranch, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) said on Twitter. The gunman was also shot and killed.
Shots were fired in the course of the investigation at the Copper Canyon Apartments, a landscaped complex 16 miles (28 kilometers) south of Denver, the sheriff’s office said. Residents in the vicinity were advised to stay inside and avoid exterior walls and windows.
A hospital where three people were taken for treatment says those people suffered noncritical injuries. Another nearby hospital said it received four patients but wouldn’t release their conditions.
The DSCO shared video on Twitter of a motorcade procession for the fallen deputy.
DCSO Motorcade for our fallen Deputy #CopperCanyonOIS https://t.co/uU618Xw1qp
— DC Sheriff (@dcsheriff) December 31, 2017
Procession for the deceased officer will take place soon from @LittletonHosp. Expect heavy law enforcement presence and traffic congestion on Broadway, C470 and SB I-25 #CopperCanyonOIS
— DC Sheriff (@dcsheriff) December 31, 2017
Officers said the shooter was Matthew Riehl, 37. Riehl died Sunday during what officials called an ambush at his apartment building in Highlands Ranch. He fired more than 100 rounds in his apartment before he was killed by a SWAT team, authorities said.
Douglas County Coroner confirms shooting suspect in #CopperCanyonOIS as Matthew Riehl DOB 9/09/80 (pictured). Investigation still ongoing and being investigated by @DA18th Critical Response Team. pic.twitter.com/H6wT0klSQv
— DC Sheriff (@dcsheriff) January 1, 2018
Authorities reportedly had been contacted with concerns about Riehl’s mental health over a month before the violence Sunday; however, Riehl was never held for mental evaluation.
>> On Rare.us: President Trump reacts to Colorado shooting
Riehl was honorably discharged from the Wyoming Army National Guard in 2012 and was an Iraq War veteran.
– The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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