Source: Human Rights Commission
Chief Human Rights Commissioner Paul Hunt has offered his condolences to the family of Constable Matthew Dennis Hunt, saying police play a crucial role in ensuring everyone’s right to live in safety.
Police today named Constable Hunt, 28, who was shot during a traffic stop in Massey, Auckland yesterday and later died of his injuries. A colleague remains in hospital in a stable condition.
Commissioner Hunt, who is not a relation, said “well trained and conscientious police officers are human rights defenders”.
“When officers are killed or wounded in the course of their duty this is an assault on the human rights of us all,” Hunt said.
“We offer our thanks to the police for their service. And our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Constable Hunt.”
Police released a statement today saying “our police family… are mourning the tragic and senseless death of Constable Hunt and our priority remains on supporting his family at this tragic time.”
His family said in a statement that he was “a person of great integrity. His closest friends were like his brothers and sisters and they along with his family are absolutely heartbroken by what has happened”.
