The National Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) reports that 252 law enforcement officers were shot in the first eight months of this year, ending Aug. 30.

FOP says 93 officers were shot in a total of 63 ambush-style attacks during the same period. Twenty-four officers were killed in these attacks.

The number of officers shot in the first eight months of 2022 exceeds the 2021 for the same time period by 5%.

“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. 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,” FOP President Patrick Yoes said in a statement.

“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,” Yoes added.