Gov. Gregoire�s statement on shooting of Canadian border patrol officer at Blaine crossing

For Immediate Release: October 16, 2012

OLYMPIA � Gov. Chris Gregoire tonight issued the following statement on the shooting of a Canadian border patrol officer earlier today at the Blaine border crossing:

�On behalf of all Washingtonians, Mike and I send our thoughts and prayers to the border patrol officer shot earlier today at the Blaine border crossing. Working closely together with British Columbia to protect our border, I consider Canadian officers an extension of our Washington family. This tragedy hits especially close to home, and reminds us all that our public safety officers put their lives on the line every day to protect the rest of us.

�This evening, I spoke with British Columbia Premier Christy Clark and have pledged our full cooperation and help as the investigation moves forward. Meanwhile, parts of Interstate 5 going northbound remain closed near the border. I urge all drivers to safely follow detour routes, and keep our peace officers in mind as they navigate the roads.�