College Station: Texas mayor extends sympathy to shooting victims

Hours after a gunman killed a constable and a bystander before dying in a shootout with police, the mayor of College Station, Texas, called Monday’s events tragic and extended condolences to victims and thanks to the police.

Brazos County Constable Brian Bachmann was serving a foreclosure notice near Texas A&M; University when he was shot. Police identified the gunman as Thomas Caffall, 35, and the bystander as Chris Northcliff, 43. Brachmann was 41.

An unidentified 55-year-old woman was wounded and hospitalized in serious condition. Three officers were wounded, one by gunfire. Officer Justin Oehlke underwent surgery for a gunshot wound to the leg and was described as stable.

In a statement, Mayor Nancy Berry said her thoughts and prayers were with Bachmann’s “family, friends, co-workers and counterparts.” She urged that no victims be forgotten, including the family of the gunman.

Here’s her full statement:

“What unfolded today in College Station is beyond tragic. Brazos County Constable Brian Bachmann not only was a professional, but was held in the highest regard in our community. My thoughts and prayers certainly are with his family, friends, co-workers and counterparts. There are many victims, including families of Mr. Caffall and Mr. Northcliff, who will continue to suffer physical and emotional pain for a very long time, and we shouldn’t forget them.

“My heartfelt appreciation goes to the College Station Police Department for their response — I know they’re hurting, yet are having to push forward with their professional duties. Additional thanks must be given to our friends with Brazos County, the City of Bryan, Texas A&M; University and a host of other agencies who stood with us throughout the day. Other acts of generosity shown toward public safety officials, neighbors and victims’ families are too numerous to list. We’ve heard from Texas Aggies all over the world who share in our sadness, and we’re thankful for you.”

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