Toomey on Violence Against Law Enforcement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 2, 2015

Contact Melissa Ferdinand (717) 782-3951

Toomey Statement on Violence Against Law Enforcement

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) made the following statement in the wake of recent killings of law enforcement officers:

"Yesterday, in Fox Lake, Illinois, another law enforcement officer was shot and killed in the line of duty. This awful incident comes on the heels of the horrible, execution-style murder of Deputy Darren Goforth in Texas last Friday. My prayers and deepest sympathies go out to the family, friends, and colleagues of these victims who proudly wore the badge to keep their communities safe.

"This year, 84 law enforcement officers have died while on duty, and this figure includes the horrendous killing of Officer Robert Wilson, III in Philadelphia. The risks police officers face each day to protect the American people are serious — and it’s important that we all recognize that their lives matter too.

"Police officers not only serve the public at great risk, but they also serve with great integrity. Like any other profession, there may be a few bad actors in law enforcement. But I believe that almost all law enforcement officials are upstanding, dedicated public servants who deserve our appreciation and support — and not to be used as scapegoats or, as we’ve seen lately, become targets of violence.

"The scapegoating and attacks on law enforcement are not only unwarranted and dangerous to our police, but they also endanger our communities. We have seen increasing violent crime — including a huge spike in homicides in major cities across the United States such as Baltimore and Washington, DC — as law enforcement finds itself being targeted. If the recent anti-law enforcement climate continues, I worry that violent crime will continue to rise too.

"During my time in the Senate, I have repeatedly fought to defend those who wear the badge and have fought against the criminals who murder police officers, including Mumia Abu-Jamal and those who support this cop-killer’s warped agenda. In light of the recent killings in Texas and Illinois, I urge the President and my colleagues in Congress to also publicly speak out against anti-police violence and work together on ways to help protect cops and our communities from dangerous criminals."

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Melissa Ferdinand
Press Secretary
Office of U.S. Senator Pat Toomey
228 Walnut Street, Suite 1104
Harrisburg, PA 17101
Office: (717) 782-3951 | Cell: (717) 480-2806