Attorney General Tim Fox, head of the Montana Highway Patrol, spoke with KGVO News for the first time since Trooper Wade Palmer was critically wounded last Thursday night.

“I was in Salt Lake City at the hospital shortly after they brought Trooper Palmer in from Missoula,” said Fox. “I was there with his family and also with his Highway Patrol colleagues from Montana. I have to say it was very heartwarming to see the amount of support, not only from law enforcement in Utah, but other groups and individuals.”

Fox listed some of the groups that have reached out to support the wounded trooper from Missoula.

“The Fraternal Order of Police was there with support people providing meals and arranging for lodging and transportation for Lindsey Palmer and her family,” he said. “The Utah Highway Patrol was just great. To this day and for as long as necessary, they will have a couple of Utah troopers that will be standing vigilantly outside Trooper Palmer’s hospital room, and that’s tremendously comforting to Lindsay and the family. There have been at least a dozen or more law enforcement agencies that have come up and helped out in various ways.”

Fox addressed the fact that some media outlets have released incorrect information about Trooper Palmer’s condition and that has been distressing to the family.

A press release from the Department of Justice states:

‘Montana Highway Patrol Chief Tom Butler and Lindsey Palmer, the wife of Trooper Wade Palmer, provided the following statements today:

“There have been some false rumors circulating about Trooper Palmer’s condition,” Montana Highway Patrol Chief Tom Butler said. “While we understand that the chatter can arise from a place of genuine concern and goodwill, please understand that when Wade’s friends and relatives see misinformation posted about his condition, it is very upsetting, especially when they have to take the time and energy to dispel the rumors. With that in mind, please do not circulate or repeat a rumor or information about Trooper Palmer unless it has been verified by the Montana Highway Patrol or Department of Justice.”

Butler added, “The Highway Patrol has been overwhelmed by the support and encouragement seen in recent days. It is clear the silent majority supports their law enforcement officers. Please continue to keep Trooper Palmer and the Missoula shooting victims in your thoughts and prayers.”

Lindsey, Trooper Palmer’s wife, has shared the following update on Wade’s condition:

“Trooper Palmer was shot three times in the head, face and neck. He is stable but his condition is still considered extremely critical. He remains in a medically induced coma at a Utah hospital. He has not regained consciousness since the shooting on Friday. Due to the nature and extent of his injuries, it may be some time before we know more about his prognosis. The family asks for the public’s patience and for their understanding that updates will not necessarily be available on a daily basis. We will keep everyone updated as appropriate via the Highway Patrol and Department of Justice. We remain cautiously optimistic that Wade will continue to see steady improvements. We recognize, however, that the overall understanding of these improvements and what they mean in the long run is still evolving and unknown at this time. We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of support and prayers for Wade and for us.”

Fox added that there are also support services such as counseling available for Palmer’s law enforcement colleagues.

 

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