How we cite our quotes: All quotations are from The Dark Knight.
Quote #10
GORDON: He's the hero Gotham deserves, but not the one it needs right now. So we'll hunt him. Because he can take it. Because he's not our hero. He's a silent guardian. A watchful protector. A Dark Knight.
Gordon cements Batman's true identity here one last time before their agreed-upon lie takes effect and he turns the dogs on The Caped Crusader. It's a way of reminding him who Batman truly is before he gets caught up in denying it.