Politics & Government
Police Honor Slain Ranger, Park To Reopen On Saturday
Local police officers pay respect to Margaret Anderson, the 34-year-old Mount Rainier National Park ranger killed last weekend. The park remains closed, but will reopen Saturday.
Local police officers gathered in a huddle at the Mountainview Funeral and Memorial Park in Lakewood on Wednesday to honor last weekend trying to stop a vehicle in the park.
Anderson's body was transported from the Medical Examiner's Office to the funeral home by the National Park Service, according to Lakewood Police Lt. Chris Lawler. The procession was no more than 25 officers, most of whom traveled by motorcycle.
The shooting suspect, Benjamin Colton Barnes, 24, served with the Fourth Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, a unit that deployed to Iraq in 2007 with 8-wheeled Stryker vehicles, according to an article in the Seattle Times.
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The park, which has been closed since the Sunday morning shooting, is set to reopen Saturday, according to The Associated Press. A memorial service for Anderson is being planned.
Pierce County Executive Pat McCarthy has directed that all flags in Pierce County be lowered to half-staff until further notice in honor of Anderson. Other government entities, citizens and businesses are encouraged to join this recognition.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the Anderson family, the National Park staff and the entire community," McCarthy said.
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