In yet another tragic attack on law enforcement, a Texas police officer, Sr. Cpl. Karissa David, was left blinded after being shot in the face while responding to a brutal, execution-style killing of fellow officer Darron Burks. This harrowing incident is a stark reminder of the dangerous war on police officers in America—where brave men and women in uniform are increasingly being targeted simply for doing their jobs.
Officer David, a 14-year veteran of the Dallas Police Department, was critically injured on August 29 when 30-year-old gunman Corey Cobb-Bey launched a violent assault on police officers in the parking lot of the For Oak Cliff Community Campus. Armed with multiple firearms, including two shotguns and handguns, Cobb-Bey ambushed the officers without warning, showing a disturbing level of violence and premeditation. The savage attack left David fighting for her life and, tragically, cost Officer Burks his.
According to the Dallas Police Department, Officer Burks had been sitting in his patrol car, in between calls, when he was suddenly gunned down by Cobb-Bey in what Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia rightfully described as an “execution.” This was no spontaneous act of violence—it was a calculated attack on law enforcement.
The dispatcher’s alarming reception of an “unusual transmission” from Burks’ radio prompted a swift response from fellow officers. Sr. Cpl. Jamie Farmer was the first to arrive at the scene and was immediately met with gunfire from Cobb-Bey, who was armed to the teeth. Despite being wounded in the leg, Farmer managed to return fire, bravely continuing the fight until backup arrived.
But the violence didn’t stop there. As Cobb-Bey’s killing spree continued, Officer David arrived on the scene and found herself the next target. As she stepped out of her vehicle, the gunman fired multiple shots, striking her in the face. Though David heroically returned fire, she sustained life-altering injuries that left her blind.
Following the assault, Cobb-Bey fled the scene, leading officers on a tense chase that ended 25 miles away in Lewisville. When Cobb-Bey exited his vehicle and pointed a shotgun at pursuing officers, police had no choice but to neutralize the threat. He was shot and killed at the scene.
This despicable attack on law enforcement comes as part of a disturbing trend across the country, where officers face increasing hostility and violence simply for wearing the badge. The growing anti-police rhetoric has only fueled such senseless attacks, making it clear that we must stand by our brave men and women in blue now more than ever.
Officer David, who had just recently married her husband, Josh, faces a long road to recovery. Her family has set up a GoFundMe page to assist with the immense medical costs and modifications to the couple’s home, as she adjusts to life without her vision. While the family remains hopeful for a miracle, they have raised over $84,000 to support David with tools like AI glasses, seeing-eye dogs, and other devices that will help her navigate this new reality.
The attack on David and the murder of Officer Burks is a somber reminder of the sacrifice that police officers make every day to keep our communities safe. They are targeted for their bravery, for their willingness to stand between chaos and order. As Police Chief Eddie Garcia said, “Our officers were targeted by nothing more than the uniforms that they wear and for the brave and honorable job that they do.”
It’s time for our nation to rally behind our law enforcement heroes and recognize the incredible danger they face daily. Officer Karissa David and Officer Darron Burks are the real victims here, standing on the front lines of a growing war against those sworn to protect and serve.
