Leaders react to loss of Grand Forks Police officer, military member

Leaders from across the state have begun remembering Grand Forks Police officer Cody Holte, who was shot, and later died, in an incident in Grand Forks Wednesday. A woman also lost her life in the gun violence, and Grand Forks Sheriff's Corporal Ron Nord was injured, and released Thursday from Altru Hospital.

Grand Forks Mayor Mike Brown issued the following statement:

“There are times in life when something truly tragic happens that rocks you to your core. This is one of those moments and our hearts are broken. It is with deep sadness that we mourn the loss of a sworn officer of our Grand Forks Police Department who was fatally injured in the line of duty yesterday.

Officer Cody Holte spent his entire adult life protecting and serving the citizens of Grand Forks as a member of the Grand Forks Police Department and previously the State of North Dakota with North Dakota National Guard. In these roles, he was a highly respected colleague, a beloved friend, and a courageous member of the law enforcement community. Above all, Cody was a son, a brother, a husband, and a father. He is missed.

A woman also passed away as a result of the shooting. We are saddened about this loss of life and our prayers are with her family.

Along with these tragic losses, our thoughts and prayers are with Sheriff’s Department Corporal Ron Nord and his family as he is treated at Altru Hospital for wounds suffered in yesterday’s events. We wish him a speedy recovery and want him to know he has the support of an entire community at his side.

On behalf of the community, I also want to say thank you to each and every first responder who rushed to the scene in selfless bravery to prevent further harm. This is a solemn reminder of the sacrifices given and the risks taken by our first responders every day as they protect and serve us.

To Officer Cody Holte’s family, the family of our fallen civilian, wounded Corporal Ron Nord and his family, and the brotherhood of our Grand Forks Police Department and the Grand Forks County Sheriff’s Office - please know that the heart of the entire Grand Forks community is with you.”

Governor Doug Burgum released the following statement Thursday:

“Our entire state mourns with Officer Holte’s wife, young son and the rest of the Holte family. Officer Holte also leaves behind his brothers and sisters in the law enforcement community and the North Dakota National Guard who grieve deeply with his family. Officer Holte served his community, his state and his country with honor, grit and unwavering courage, right up through his final moments as he risked his life to protect the citizens of Grand Forks. We know his family will be tightly wrapped in the supportive arms of Cody’s fellow law enforcement officers and National Guard members. While we can never repay Officer Holte for his incredible service and sacrifice, we can honor his memory by supporting his loved ones and the families of all of our men and women in uniform who make the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.”

Maj. Gen. Alan Dohrmann, Adjutant General of the North Dakota National Guard, released the following statement:

"On May 27 our state lost one of its finest, when Officer Cody Holte of the Grand Forks police department was killed in the line of duty. Officer Holte was also a First Lieutenant in the North Dakota Army National Guard. Cody dedicated his life to serving his community, state and nation, always putting the needs of his Soldiers and the citizens he served above his own. On behalf of all the Soldiers and Airmen of the North Dakota National Guard, Becky and I extend our deepest sympathies to his wife, son, parents and loved ones.”

Brig. Gen. Leo Ryan, N.D. Army National Guard commander, released the following statements about Lt. Holte:

"Yesterday we lost a brother-in- arms, 1st Lt. Cody Holte.  He served as the commander of Det 2, 815th Engineer Company and was a true Soldier. Cody was a selfless leader who spent countless hours preparing his unit for upcoming missions. He led from the front and always put his Soldiers' needs before his own. Lt. Holte performed every duty to the best of his ability and mentored and motivated his Soldiers to the highest level of readiness. All the Soldiers of the N.D. Army National Guard will miss Cody; we send our deepest condolences to his family and friends."

U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer issued the following statement:

“Kris and I are praying for the officer’s family, colleagues, and friends; the deputy sheriff injured during the same incident; and the entire Grand Forks community shaken by this senseless act of violence. Few vocations require a willingness to put your life on the line in defense of others. Law enforcement officers answer that call every day, offering to leave behind their loved ones and personal aspirations to keep our neighborhoods safe and secure. They deserve our undying gratitude as we mourn this tragedy.”

Senator John Hoeven issued the following statement:

“Mikey and I offer our deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the officer who gave his life in the line of duty. We are praying for the officer’s loved ones, the injured deputy and the peace officers working to keep our communities safe. We honor this officer’s service and sacrifice, and will keep his loved ones in our prayers.”