Statement by U.S. Attorney Damon P. Martinez on the Fatal Shooting of Navajo Tribal Police Officer Alex Yazzie

ALBUQUERQUE – U.S. Attorney Damon P. Martinez released the following statement today regarding the fatal shooting of Alex Yazzie, a Police Officer with the Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety who was commissioned as a Special Federal Officer by the BIA’s Office of Justice Services:

 “Officer Alex Yazzie was a dedicated law enforcement officer and a courageous public servant.  Although he was taken from us so suddenly and far too soon, Officer Yazzie leaves behind an indelible legacy that will live on in the lives he touched through the work that the BIA, the Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety and all tribal police officers continue to perform to safeguard and protect our tribal communities.  His loss is a tragic reminder that the work of our law enforcement officers is profoundly heroic and deserving of our most emphatic support.  The thoughts and prayers of the law enforcement community will be with Officer Yazzie’s family and loved ones throughout this difficult time.  And as we go forward, the Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney’s Office intend to honor his service and his sacrifice by continuing to fight for the values he protected every day, and to protect the tribal communities for whom he gave his life.”