Reaction pours in after death of SAPD Officer Miguel Moreno

SAN ANTONIO – Reaction has poured in from city and state officials after the death of San Antonio Police Officer Miguel Moreno.

Moreno was shot Thursday afternoon in the line of duty, and police officials said he died Friday morning of his injuries. Here is the latest reaction. 

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Gov. Greg Abbott: 

“This is a sad day for the San Antonio community, and the entire state of Texas, as we mourn the death of Officer Miguel Moreno,” said Governor Abbott. “This senseless act of violence against two courageous and committed law enforcement officers demonstrates the risk our men and women in blue face every day. We owe Officer Moreno and Officer Julio Cavazos a great debt of gratitude for their service and bravery in the face of danger. Cecilia and I offer our thoughts and prayers to the family of Officer Moreno, the San Antonio Police Department, and all those effected by this terrible crime.” 

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick: 

"Today, we join with all of San Antonio in grieving the loss of a nine-year veteran of the San Antonio Police Department, Officer Miguel Moreno. Officer Moreno was shot in the line of duty yesterday and paid the ultimate price to keep his community safe. We honor his sacrifice and service. Our prayers are with his family and loved ones, as well as the San Antonio Police Department and all grieving law enforcement officers across the state." 

Mayor Ron Nirenberg issued a statement Thursday evening that read in part:

"Today was a difficult day for the San Antonio Police Department and the San Antonio community when two officers were shot in the line of duty.

"We appreciate the work of the doctors and nurses at SAMMC. "We ask for your continued prayers for our officers, their families and the SAPD community." 

Nirenberg added on Friday:

“We continue to offer our deepest sympathies and prayers to his family and the San Antonio Police Department community,” Nirenberg said. “We also extend our sympathies and prayers to Officer Julio Cavazos, who also was critically wounded in the incident.”

“This tragedy reminds us all of the sacrifices and bravery of our public safety officers who deserve our sincere gratitude,” Nirenberg said.

Councilman Rey Saldana, District 4:

"Officer Miguel Moreno made the ultimate sacrifice in the uniform he earned, for the people he served, in the city he loved. SAPD answers when called upon, and now we call on the strength of a city to help the families of Officer Moreno and Officer Cavazos deal with this terrible tragedy. Our resolve as a city is often tested in situations of adversity and our response as a united community reminds us of our resiliency.

As expressed by Mayor Nirenberg, I encourage the business community, other organizations and all residents to join us in lowering their flags to half-staff as an expression of mourning and respect to the loss of Officer Moreno.”

Councilwoman Ana Sandoval, District 7:

“It is with a sad heart that I express my sincerest condolences to the family and friends of fallen Officer Miguel Moreno,” Councilwoman Sandoval said. “Yesterday’s events are a tragic reminder that our men and women in law enforcement risk their lives every time they don their uniform to protect and serve. My thoughts and prayers are with injured Officer Julio Cavazos, wishing him a full and rapid recovery. I ask all of District 7 to join me in prayer for the families of these two officers.

“Gun violence is senseless and brutal. With compassionate hearts we can, and must, work to eradicate violence in our community.”

Councilman John Courage, District 9: 

“I am shocked and dismayed by the events which have transpired over the last 24 hours. We offer our thoughts and prayers to the officers brutally attacked in the line of duty yesterday. We’ve lost a brother in Officer Moreno, and wish only the speediest of recoveries for Officer Cavazos. We should all pray for the well-being of their families. Having served as a military police officer in the Air Force, this type of ruthlessness touches me deeply. Let the days leading into our nation's remembrance of our independence be a solemn reminder of those who continue to protect our freedoms and the families who lift them up.”

Councilman Manny Pelaez, District 8: 

“Today is a sad day for our community as we mourn the loss of one of San Antonio’s finest, Officer Miguel Moreno. My thoughts and prayers are with his family as well as that of Officer Julio Cavazos, a District 8 resident who was also shot in yesterday’s incident. These real-life superheroes sacrifice so much to serve and protect us all, so in this time of need please keep every SAPD officer and their families in your prayers."

Councilman Roberto Trevino, District 1:

“Right now, San Antonio is mourning the loss of a great officer and a great man. My heart is heavy for the loss of Officer Miguel Moreno. I know the community’s heart is heavy. We have seen over the last few months just how much of a sacrifice our first responders make for the safety of our community.

Please continue to send your thoughts and prayers to the families and fellow brothers and sisters of Officers Moreno and Cavazos. It is important that we now be there for the folks who are always just a phone call away.”

Councilwoman Shirley Gonzales, District 5:  

“We offer our condolences to the family of Officer Miguel Moreno. Our thoughts and prayers are with them and all the brave men and women of SAPD who risk their lives in service to protect our communities.”

Councilman Greg Brockhouse, District 6:

“On behalf of all the residents and families of District 6, I want to extend our deepest condolences, love and prayers for Officer Miguel Moreno and his family. Miguel was killed in the line of duty protecting our community and we all mourn his loss. We also remain in prayer for Officer Julio Cavazos and his family as he remains in serious condition at SAMMC. To the men and women of the San Antonio Police Department, we express our prayers and love for your service and sacrifice and we stand with you during this difficult time. To our fallen officer, you held the line for us and we will never forget you. We will take care of your family and we will honor your sacrifice.” 

Councilman William "Cruz Shaw, District 2:

"Our hearts are heavy in San Antonio today. Officer Miguel Moreno, a 9-year SAPD Veteran, lost his life as a result of being shot in the line of duty. Our prayers are with the family and friends of Officer Moreno and the SAPD community. We also pray for a speedy recovery for Officer Julio Cavazos, who was also shot in the line of duty yesterday. This is the second time in less than a year that one of our SAPD officers has been killed due to senseless gun violence. The violence must stop. Now more than ever, our community must come together." 

Councilman Clayton Perry, District 10:

“This is the type of news you never want to hear, especially when you’re far away from home. It is heartbreaking to hear that Officer Moreno has succumbed to his injuries.

My family’s and my thoughts and prayers remain with Officer Cavazos and his recovery, both Officer Cavazos and Officer Moreno’s families, and all our other fine officers with SAPD. My hope is that our officers, their families, and the San Antonio community can find peace and comfort during this time.

The first anniversary of the Dallas shootings is coming up next week, and finding ways to improve both public perception of our police force and officer morale has been weighing heavily on my heart. The men and women of SAPD wake up every day, ready to serve us at a moment’s notice. It’s time we return the favor.”

Councilwoman Rebecca Viagran, District 3: 

“Yesterday’s shooting serves as reminder that our police officers put their life on the line just by doing their job. Our thoughts and prayers are with the officers’ families and the entire police community. I want to thank the SAPD for all they do to protect us every day.”

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