NAPO STATEMENT ON THE MURDER OF LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS

August 31, 2015

The men and women of the National Association of Police Organizations condemn in the strongest possible terms the brutal and deliberate ambush murders of America’s police officers. Yet again, persistent and nationwide calls for the killing of officers, coupled with the deafening silence of America’s elected and appointed officials, has led to another cowardly assassination of one of our finest. While we mourn and grieve and commit ourselves to supporting the survivors, we must also stand up and speak out against the dimwitted agitators and craven politicians who helped bring about these murders. Don’t think there is a connection? Think again:

Tuesday, August 25, 2015. Participants on the Texas radio program “F**kYoFlag” call for the murder of police officers.

Wednesday, August 26, 2015. U.S. Department of Justice news release headline: “Four Individuals Sentenced for Biodiesel Production Fraud.”

Friday, August 28, 2015. Harris County, Texas Deputy Darren Goforth executed, shot in the back of his head while fueling his car in full uniform.

Saturday, December 13, 2014. Marchers in New York City chant “What do we want? Dead cops! When do we want it? Now!”

Friday, December 19, 2014. U.S. Department of Justice news release headline: “New York Man Sentenced to 24 Months in Prison for Odometer Fraud Scheme.”

Saturday, December 20, 2014. New York Police Department Patrolmen Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu are assassinated, sitting in their patrol car guarding a housing project.

Saturday, August 29, 2015. Marchers in Minnesota chant: “Pigs in a blanket, fry ‘em like bacon!”
Sunday, August 30, 2015. U.S. Department of Justice news release headline: “Department of Justice Settles Housing Discrimination Lawsuit Against Owners of Mobile Home Park.”
Next date and location?

Starting to see a pattern? Does it seem like it’s about time for the Department of Justice and the White House to focus as much energy and attention on the murder of police officers as they spend on who gets to live in which trailer park? This is a nationwide problem, with nationally organized calls for violence against police, and national media coverage. It absolutely requires a response from the highest national levels.

Mr. President, Madam Attorney General, you’ve got a war on cops on your hands. This administration helped foster the climate that made this war possible. The constant message that America’s police need to be reformed, monitored, investigated, prosecuted without any distinction as to the merits and valor of the individual men and women who do this job is beyond tiresome, it is deadly. Tepid responses to these murders do nothing to discourage future attacks, let alone change the culture that becomes increasingly strident in its calls for killings with each officer’s death. You have the ability and the platform with which to stem this violence. It shouldn’t take us to remind you that stopping the spilling of officers’ blood is the first step without which no other person, business or community in this nation can be safe.