KCK mayor apologizes to slain officer’s family

Kansas City, Kan., Mayor Mark Holland apologized Thursday to the family of a slain Kansas City, Kan. police captain.

Holland was criticized last month by the family of Capt. Robert David “Dave” Melton for comments Holland made after Melton’s death.

Melton was killed in the line of duty July 19 in Kansas City, Kan.

After Melton’s death, Holland released a prepared statement that read in part: “We have seen the loss of innocent lives at the hands of police; and we have seen the ambush and murder of police who were actively protecting the public. Our nation is in uncertain times.”

Members of Melton’s family expressed to Holland during a Unified Government Commission meeting in August that they were disappointed about the opening comment on “the loss of innocent lives at the hands of police.”

During a commission meeting on Thursday, Holland apologized to the family.

The apology starts at the 4:40 mark of the video.

“As both a pastor and a mayor, I would never intentionally introduce controversial comments during a time of grief,” Holland said. “For that, I am deeply sorry. The focus remains is David Melton was a hero. He’s a hero to our country to our military and hero to our community, giving his life to keep us safe.”

At Thursday’s meeting, Holland said he met with members of Melton’s family a few weeks ago.

“Following our conversation, I want to publicly reiterate my apology to them, for the timing of my remarks at the press conference, following the death of their brother, Capt. Dave Melton, who was tragically killed in the line of duty,” Holland said.

This story was originally published September 15, 2016 at 9:32 PM with the headline "KCK mayor apologizes to slain officer’s family."