Ambush shootings of police have jumped 139%, and the top police union blames the anti-law enforcement rhetoric liberal politicians have spewed.
The Fraternal Order of Police released new numbers of attacks on men and women in blue, reporting 109 officers have been shot in 86 ambushes. Worse, 281 officers have been shot this year so far and 52 killed by gunfire.
National FOP President Patrick Yoes said in a statement to Secrets the anti-police views of national and big-city politicians play a part in the crime wave against law enforcement.
?NEW REPORT ➡️ The violence against the brave men and women of law enforcement continues. Ambush-Style Attacks on officers are up 139% from 2020 (YTD). So far this year:
⚠️ 281 Officers Shot
⚠️ 52 Officers Killed by Gunfire
⚠️ 109 Officers Shot in 86 Ambush-style Attacks pic.twitter.com/8w2dz6sO3v
— National Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) (@GLFOP) November 1, 2021
“The demonization of the police has made our communities and law enforcement jobs less safe,” Yoes said. “Due to lingering animosity toward law enforcement officers, overheated political rhetoric, and a decline in respect for law and order — we are seeing an increase in violence that specifically targets officers. Despite the negative attitudes towards law enforcement by so many, officers still show up every single day and make a difference in the communities they serve.”
Yoes used the recent troubling numbers of shootings to push for passage of the Protect and Serve Act, which would set a 10-year sentence for targeting police and death if an officer dies in an attack.
“I am renewing our calls to enact the Protect and Serve Act, which addresses the troubling increases in violence targeting officers and which will better protect the men and women who wear the badge,” he said.
