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It's an extremely difficult week in Hoonah and throughout Alaska.
A gunman, previously arrested for assaulting two of the four village police officers, shot and killed them over the weekend.
That in itself is horrifying. But that the shootings occurred in front of family and while one officer wasn't even on duty is unbelievable.
Most tragedies leave survivors stunned. That is particularly the case with the officer shootings. The officers who died were half the police force of the village.
The gunman has been arrested and will receive his day in court. That authorities captured him is something for which to be thankful.
The officers who died were Matthew Tokuoka and Anthony Wallace, both of whom had friends throughout Alaska.
Gov. Sean Parnell ordered flags flown at half-staff, and Anchorage authorities planned to form a procession following the two caskets from the medical examiner's office to the funeral home on Tuesday.
No doubt authorities, officials and Alaskans will honor the slain officers in other ways as well. Officers from around the country will feel the loss.
"This is a tragic loss for Alaska and the community of Hoonah," Gov. Parnell said. "Officers Tokuoka and Wallace represent the sacrifice our law enforcement officers make every day as they work diligently to keep our communities safe. These men had a passion for serving and protecting Alaskans and our state is better because of their commitment to excellence. Sandy and I will keep their families, friends and fellow officers in our thoughts and prayers."
We add our prayers for their families and friends to those of the governor and his wife. Alaskans throughout the state do the same.