"I’m sad to report that so far this year, we are outpacing last year’s historic number of officers shot and killed. This fact is disturbing and should alarm all Americans,” says National FOP President Patrick Yoes.
“Make no mistake—we are experiencing a real crisis with the level of violence directed at law enforcement officers. This past year has been one of the most dangerous years for law enforcement in recent history due to the increase of violence directed toward law enforcement officers, the nationwide crime crisis, and the COVID-19 pandemic,” Yoes adds. “Frankly, it is unlike anything I’ve seen in my 36 years of law enforcement. Last year 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.”
The states that have lost the most officers to gunfire through the end of October are:
Texas — 26 officers killed.
Arizona — 21 officers killed.
Kentucky — 16 officers killed.
Georgia — 14 officers killed.
Pennsylvania — 14 officers killed.
North Carolina — 13 officers killed.
California — 13 officers killed.
Illinois — 12 officers killed.
Florida — 12 officers killed.
Washington — 12 officers killed.
“Many will often look at this data and just see numbers. We must remember that they represent heroes—fathers, mothers, sons, and daughters. Thankfully, had it not been for the countless dramatic improvements in medical trauma science and anti-ballistic technology, the lethality of these attacks would be much greater,” adds Yoes.
“I call on Americans in every community across the country to join us in taking a stand—to say, ‘enough is enough!’ Truthfully, this violence 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.”
