American Public Transportation Association (APTA) President Michael Melaniphy released the following statement on Friday:
This has been a horrific week for the City of Boston and all Americans. Last night dedicated MBTA Transit Police Officer Richard H. Donohue was shot while trying to protect the city and public transit riders from this reign of terror. Everyday public transit police officers in cities across the country put their lives on the line and in times like these, Americans like Richard Donohue step up to protect and defend us from those who would use acts of destruction to intimidate. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family as he is treated, as well as with all those who have been affected by these events.