A disturbing trend has emerged in the United States, with a police officer being shot every 22 hours this year, according to the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP). The organization reports that over 260 law enforcement officers have been shot so far in 2024, a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those in the line of duty.
The FOP’s National Vice President, Joe Gamaldi, described the situation as a “War on Cops” that continues to rage across America. He pointed out that the number of officers shot has increased by 60% since 2018, with 378 officers shot last year alone. The current rate of one officer shot every 22 hours is a sobering statistic that highlights the risks faced by law enforcement professionals.
Gamaldi also noted that assaults on officers are at a 10-year high, with the causes of this trend being multifaceted. He attributed the rise in violence to a combination of factors, including a “revolving door” justice system, which allows repeat offenders to continue committing crimes, and the proliferation of anti-police rhetoric from some politicians, media outlets, and activists.
The FOP vice president expressed his frustration with the lack of action or support from the Biden-Harris administration, which he believes has failed to condemn the violence against law enforcement. “The silence from the White House is deafening,” Gamaldi said, emphasizing that the brave men and women of law enforcement expect leadership to speak out against the violence and support them.
In response to the administration’s inaction, the FOP has endorsed Donald Trump for President, citing his commitment to law and order. FOP President Patrick Yoes stated that the organization’s members carefully considered the positions of the candidates on issues such as public safety and border security before making their decision. “There was no doubt – zero doubt – as to who they want as our President for the next four years: Donald J. Trump,” Yoes said.
According to the Officer Down Memorial Page, 37 law enforcement officers have died this year from gunshot wounds sustained in the line of duty, with eight of those fatalities occurring in August alone. Additionally, two officers died from assaults, two were stabbed to death, and six died from vehicular assault, bringing the total number of officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty to 97 so far this year.
