Letter to the Hon. Jeff Sessions, Attorney General of the United States - Request for Additional DOJ Funding to Cover Overtime Costs of Law Enforcement Response to Las Vegas Shooting
Letter
Dear Attorney General Sessions:
We are writing regarding the tragic events that took place in Las Vegas on October 1st and the additional support needed for our brave men and women in law enforcement. As you know, fifty-eight people were killed and more than 500 were wounded in the largest mass shooting in modern American history. Our city is still recovering and has a long road ahead.
Thousands of brave men and women served as first responders during the crisis. They risked their safety to protect others, saving lives and restoring security to the city. In the hours and days after the shooting, Clark County's first responders worked tirelessly for their community.
On October 11th, the Department of Justice ("DOJ") announced a grant award of $1 million to the state of Nevada to assist with the immediate costs of responding to the crisis. The DOJ recognized the hard work and dedication of law enforcement officers across Nevada in the wake of the shooting. We appreciate the DOJ's expeditious allotment of this funding.
While the grant is much needed and appreciated, it covers just a fraction of the costs that Clark County is facing. We understand the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department has already accounted for over $2 million in overtime worked to date. Additionally, law enforcement officers continue to accumulate overtime as the investigation is ongoing, and we understand that overtime costs for Clark County, including the Clark County Fire Department, could be well over current estimates.
We request the Department of Justice award additional grant funding from its emergency response funds in order to help cover the millions of dollars of overtime costs. Our law enforcement officers are working in the service of others, and the community of Southern Nevada has much to overcome.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. The people of Las Vegas and the State of Nevada appreciate your support during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
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