What started as a peaceful protest against police brutality in downtown Dallas, Texas, on July 7 turned into a scene of nightmarish violence. In total, five police officers were murdered by a sniper, with seven others injured. Among those killed was 32-year-old Patrick Zamarripa, a father and Iraq War veteran. There has been an overwhelming outpour of grief over Zamarripa’s death, from family, friends and even celebrities.
Patrick Zamarripa’s family was confused, scared and shaken as the gunfire broke out at the downtown Dallas rally.
Keep my stepbrother in your prayers. He's a Dallas cop and was at the rally. Parkland hospital called my parents to go to the hospital.
— Dustin (@Dustin_Mfwood) July 8, 2016
During a protest against police brutality, gun shots rang out. It wasn’t long until people realized there was a sniper on a roof targeting the police officers at the rally.
It was his father, Rick Zamarripa, who first confirmed on social media that his son had died in the gun fire.
Most of you already know this by now today in Dallas , my son is a police officer in Dallas he was working there the…
Posted by Rick Zamarripa on Friday, July 8, 2016
When news broke of Zamarripa’s death, friends, families and celebs took to social media to express their grief.
Love you brother. Couldn't be prouder. We'll see you again. #PrayForDallas pic.twitter.com/1oqeBxai7x
— Dustin (@Dustin_Mfwood) July 8, 2016
Cousins, siblings and his parents were devastated to hear that the Navy veteran was killed.
It is so heartbreaking.
Family man and military veteran. Just not right.
— Dylan Martinez (@KDylanMartinez) July 8, 2016
Zamarripa had survived three tours of duty in Iraq before returning to Dallas and joining the Dallas Police Department to protect the freedoms he fought for overseas.
Texas Ranger Joey Gallo was in disbelief over the death of Zamarripa.
Gallo remembered a time when he and teammate Nomar Mazara were stopped by Zamarripa while walking around. Instead of being in trouble, Zamarripa was just approaching them as a fan asking for a photo and some small chitchat.
“I just couldn’t believe it, when I found out that he was one of the officers that had been killed” Mazara told ESPN. “I was glad I had a chance to take that picture, especially because he was a police officer. He’s a hero.”
Cuba Gooding Jr. had also met Zamarripa while in Dallas and was deeply impacted by his tragic death.
The great @cubagoodingjr . Thanx for taking the pic with my partner and I. Hope your stay in #Dallas was great sir! pic.twitter.com/8q5toocBXD
— Patrick Zamarripa (@PatrickEZ01) February 25, 2016
“I cried today when I heard that,” Gooding Jr. told TMZ. “I cried. That’s all I’ll say.”
There have already been memorials for the officers lost on July 7. Zamarripa’s mother was there.
#DallasPolice. Valery Zamarripa lleva una foto de su hijo Patrick, en la vigilia por los oficiales caídos. pic.twitter.com/CPPh0nXyvG
— Revista Católica (@RevistaCatolica) July 11, 2016
“He was so proud and loved being a father to her,” Valerie Zamarripa, told 20/20. “She [his 2-year-old daughter] looks just like him. I just don’t know how she’s going to be looking for him and not see him anymore.”
Family, friends and strangers are coming together to raise money to help Zamarripa’s family.
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