A New England police union voted to endorse Donald Trump Thursday evening, marking the Republican presidential front-runner’s first major endorsement in the early voting state of New Hampshire.
Trump announced his newfound support shortly after members of the New England Police Benevolent Association’s executive board members emerged from a meeting where they discussed the leading GOP candidate.
According to Jerry Flynn, executive director of the union, the benevolent association boast a membership of nearly 5,000 law enforcement and corrections officers from an estimated 200 precincts.
Earlier this month, Flynn posted photos of himself and Trump in New York City on his personal Facebook with a caption claiming the self-funded billionaire has an “interesting vision for protecting police officers and corrections officers.”
The endorsement comes amid major concerns over Trump’s recent proposal to bar Muslims from entering the United States. Flynn did not address the proposal Thursday, but has posted articles on his Facebook page criticizing ongoing domestic political conversations about the controversial national security measure.
During the press conference that followed Trump’s endorsement, the leading GOP candidate said police officers across the U.S. have “had it tough.”
“I am incredibly honored to receive this endorsement,” Trump said in a statement. My entire life has been spent defending the police and the incredible job they do. Especially today, they will play an interestingly vital part in making our nation safe.”
Trump is second in the Washington Examiner’s presidential power rankings and tops the GOP field in New Hampshire with 27 percent support, according to RealClearPolitics’ latest polling average.
