According to recent FBI statistics, over the past two years, more than 100,000 law enforcement officers have been attacked while on duty. The data also reveals that in the last three years, more officers were killed compared to any other period in the last two decades, with a shocking 194 officers feloniously killed between 2021 and 2023 – the highest number in any consecutive three-year period in the past 20 years.
Law enforcement agencies nationwide reported a total of 79,091 officers being assaulted in 2023, marking the highest officer assault rate in the past decade. The most common circumstances for these assaults were in response to simple assaults against non-officers and drug violations.
In 2024, 12 law enforcement officers have been feloniously killed, and 21 died in accidents while on duty. This rise in violence against police officers prompted the release of a special report during National Police Week to raise awareness of the challenges law enforcement faces in the line of duty.
Retired Lt. Randy Sutton, founder of the Wounded Blue organization based in Las Vegas, highlighted the dehumanization of law enforcement and lack of meaningful support from political elites, the media, and activists. His organization aims to support injured officers and their families by advocating for worker’s compensation, providing health support, and pushing for stronger legislation to protect law enforcement.
Sutton emphasized the significant increase in physical assaults against law enforcement officers in 2023, leading to disabling or serious injuries that can have lasting impacts on their physical and mental well-being.
