Fraternal Order of Police
The National Fraternal Order of Police reports that as of midnight on April 30, 135 officers have been shot in the line of duty in 2023; 15 have been killed by gunfire.
There have been 38 ambush-style attacks on law enforcement officers this year, according to FOP. These ambush-style attacks have resulted in 43 officers shot, 6 of whom were killed by gunfire.
“The number of ambush-style attacks listed does not include the countless incidents where an officer was shot at but not struck by gunfire during an ambush-style attack,” the FOP says.
National FOP President Patrick Yoes issued the following statement:
"As we approach the 42nd Annual National Peace Officers' Memorial Service on May 15, we are reminded of the growing dangers America's law enforcement officers face each and every day. This year is shaping up to be one of the most dangerous years for police officers in recent history due to the increase of violence directed towards them as well as the nationwide crime crisis, which has seen criminals emboldened by the failed policies of pandering prosecutors and cynical politicians. Frankly, it is unlike anything I’ve seen in my 36 years of law enforcement.
“In 2021 we saw more officers shot in the line of duty than any other since the National Fraternal Order of Police began recording this data in late 2015, and 2022 was not far behind. So far this year, the number of officers shot in the line of duty is up 52% from this time in 2020.
“Many will often look at this data and just see numbers. We must remember that they represent heroes—fathers, mothers, sons, and daughters. Thankfully, because of dramatic improvements in medical trauma science and anti-ballistic technology, the lethality of these attacks would be much greater.
"It is our sincere hope is that this Congress will act swiftly and pass the 'Protect and Serve Act' to address the national problem of ambushes and unprovoked attacks on our nation's law enforcement officers.
"If these violent criminals are willing to commit brazen acts of violence against the men and women of law enforcement, we can't begin to fathom what heinous acts they are willing to commit against law-abiding citizens. As crime rates continue to rise, more citizens in this country are justifiably living in fear, constantly wondering if they too will become a victim. Law-abiding citizens saw the real-life consequences of what happens when elected officials embrace pro-criminal, revolving-door policies and make decisions that put the interests of violent offenders ahead of public safety. These decisions—failures to prosecute violent offenders for their crimes or, even worse, releasing repeat offenders arrested for crimes who show a propensity for escalation of violence—make our communities less safe. These rogue prosecutors are putting innocent lives at risk. When there are no consequences for breaking the law, more people will break the law and crime will increase.
“I call on Americans in every community across the country to join us in taking a stand—to say, ‘Enough is Enough!’ Truthfully, the violence against those sworn to serve and protect is beyond unacceptable; it’s a stain on our society, and it must end. It is incumbent upon our elected officials and community leaders to stand up, support our heroes, and speak out against the violence against law enforcement officers.”
