Today, the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA) announced its praise for the rapid response by law enforcement officers during a potentially fatal incident at a presidential campaign rally.
Yesterday, U.S. Secret Service Agents apprehended a suspect who engaged a Las Vegas police officer in conversation at a Donald Trump rally before attempting to grab his gun with the intent of "shooting the presidential candidate."
"I have told numerous members of Congress, but it bears repeating: these agents are handling an unprecedented campaign dynamic with heightened dangers coming at them at an extreme pace," said FLEOA National President Nathan Catura. "Moreover, many of these agents, who are risking their safety to protect these candidates and the public that surrounds them, work without pay due to the federal pay cap. Their patriotic duty is going unacknowledged as they work to protect the foundations of our democracy."
This extended presidential campaign season has seen a noticeable uptick in violence at events and has increased danger for Secret Service Agents and local law enforcement providing security both for the candidates and event attendees.
Catura continued, "Were it not for the stalwart dedication of these Secret Service Agents to their mission, more of these incidents may have occurred. While we will never know the real number of threats averted by these patriotic and brave Americans, FLEOA will continue to push for our elected officials – many of whom these agents have devoted their service to – to reevaluate current pay practices so we may best serve those who serve us."
The Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (www.fleoa.org) is the largest nonprofit, nonpartisan professional association that exclusively represents over 26,000 active and retired federal law enforcement officers from over 65 agencies.