Ex-Dallas Police Chief on 2016 Ambush: 'I Carry That Loss as a Burden Every Single Day'
What to Know
- Former Dallas Police Chief David Brown reflects on the 10th anniversary of the July 7, 2016, ambush that killed five law enforcement officers, writing that the grief and loss remain as profound today as they were that night.
- Brown honors the sacrifice of Dallas Police Senior Cpl. Lorne Ahrens, Officer Michael Krol, Sgt. Michael Smith, Officer Patrick Zamarripa and DART Police Officer Brent Thompson, while praising the courage of officers who ran toward gunfire to protect civilians.
- He argues that the lasting legacy of the attack is not the violence itself but the unity that followed, recalling bipartisan support from local, state and national leaders and urging Americans to remember the spirit of togetherness that helped Dallas heal.
By David Brown
Source The Dallas Morning News
On July 7, 2016, the soul of Dallas was pierced by an act of unspeakable malice. Ten years have passed since that dark, sweltering night when a peaceful protest was shattered by gunfire, but for me — and for anyone who loves this city — the passage of a decade has not dulled the ache. The grief remains deep, heavy and permanent.
We lost five extraordinary men that night: Dallas Police Senior Cpl. Lorne Ahrens, Officer Michael Krol, Sgt. Michael Smith, Officer Patrick Zamarripa and DART Police Officer Brent Thompson. They were husbands, fathers, sons and brothers. They were peacemakers. The trauma of that night rippled through the wounded officers, the terrified civilians and a community left reeling in shock.
As the Dallas chief of police at the time, I carry that loss as a burden every single day. The tears we shed then still water the ground of our memories today.
Yet, even in our darkest hour, a profound light broke through the terror. What I witnessed in the hours and days that followed was the absolute best of humanity answering the absolute worst. The bravery displayed by the men and women of the Dallas Police Department and our law enforcement partners was awe-inspiring.
Officers ran toward the gunfire, putting their own bodies between danger and the citizens they were sworn to protect. Their courage was a shield for our city.
In the aftermath, the resolve of Dallas, the North Texas region and the entire state of Texas became our anchor. We refused to let hatred tear us apart.
I was not alone in steering our city through that storm. Our leadership stood as a united front. I will forever be grateful for the seamless partnership with Mayor Mike Rawlings, City Manager A.C. Gonzalez and the Dallas City Council. We stood shoulder to shoulder, working through the grief to keep our city steady. That strength was bolstered by the immediate, genuine encouragement and unwavering support we received from Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who ensured the full weight of the State of Texas was behind us.
One of the most defining moments of that painful journey was our memorial service just days later. As I looked across the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center that day, I saw something that has become increasingly rare in America. It remains a powerful testament to what is possible when we view each other through the lens of shared humanity.
On that stage, we welcomed President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, former President George W. Bush, former First Lady Laura Bush, Vice President Joe Biden and Jill Biden. They stood shoulder to shoulder alongside our Texas federal delegation and state legislators from both sides of the aisle. They came together not as political adversaries, but as grieving Americans. They sat together, wept together and consoled a broken city together.
Looking back from the vantage point of 2026, that moment of unity feels even more sacred. In the decade since, our national landscape has often been fractured by divisive politics. But 10 years ago in Dallas, we proved that the love for our country and for each other can still transcend our differences. The genuine support we received from every leader, regardless of party, was a gift I will never forget.
Today, my heart and my constant prayers remain with the families of our fallen brothers. The void left in their homes can never be filled, and we must ensure they never walk alone.
To the men and women still wearing the badge in Dallas and across this nation: You have my eternal admiration. Your job has not grown easier over the last 10 years, yet you continue to answer the call with honor, professionalism and grace.
Dallas was tested a decade ago. We were broken, but we did not shatter. We chose unity over division, love over hate and community over chaos. May we always remember the sacrifice of the " Dallas Five," and may we continue to guard the spirit of togetherness that pulled us through the darkest night into the dawn.
The tragedy of July 7 has never defined Dallas. The way our officers — and this city — responded always will.
David Brown was the Dallas chief of police from 2010 to 2016.
________
© 2026 The Dallas Morning News.
Visit www.dallasnews.com.
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.