There was once a time when the public saw those in law enforcement as honorable and an ally to the community.
Over the past few years the media has twisted facts and misinformed viewers so that our boys in blue have been demonized as overly aggressive and not having the citizens best interest at heart.
Law enforcement officers have been senselessly targeted just for being in uniform, and now one cop has sent out a warning that even the families who support their local protectors are not safe.
Last week, two NYPD officers were targeted by who they believe to be single gunman Robert Williams, 45, reports NBC News.
In 2002, Williams was convicted of attempted murder but was released on parole a couple of years ago, according to The Daily Mail.
One officer was sitting at the front desk of a precinct and the other was sitting in his patrol van in the Bronx.
Thankfully, both officers were hit with non-lethal shots and are expected to make a full recovery.
The shooter identified the officers by their uniforms and NYPD markings. This prompted a top cop to issue a memo discouraging officers from wearing their uniforms on public transit and telling families not to wear any NYPD logos while in public.
The Daily Wire reports on Hazel Jennings’, chief of the Department of Corrections, warnings:
“In light of recent law enforcement protests and acts of violence against law enforcement employees in the city of New York, the following is reiterated for your safety …
If you are utilizing public transportation to traverse the city, do not wear your uniform or other items bearing the department’s name or logo.
If you are driving your personal vehicle or parking on a public street, do not place any agency identifiers such as union cards, placards, or any other items bearing association with law enforcement in view, as this may result in vandalism to your vehicle.
Advise loved ones and friends to refrain from wearing clothing items or carrying items brandishing the department name or logo, for their safety.”
It is so sad that proud family members may be harmed for supporting their loved ones on the force.
NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea feels these recent officer shootings are connected to the criminal justice activists.
Shea said in a press conference:
“These things are not unrelated. We had people marching through the streets of New York City recently. Words matter. And words affect people’s behavior … This is not a crime gone bad. This is not a liquor store robbery interrupted that a tragedy erupts from. This is a premeditated assassination attempt.”
He is not wrong.
Protesting for something you believe in is your right in this beautiful nation, but inciting violence because of your hatred is “not acceptable”, as Shea put it.
President Trump spoke out in defense of those risking their lives to protect us. He tweeted:
“I grew up in New York City and, over many years, got to watch how GREAT NYC’s ‘Finest’ are. Now, because of weak leadership at Governor & Mayor, stand away (water thrown at them) regulations, and lack of support, our wonderful NYC police are under assault. Stop this now!”
Patrick Lynch, the president of the Police Benevolent Association, urges the elected officials who believe the violence against officers needs to stop to “open your mouth and say ‘This must stop!’”, reports The Daily Wire.
Politicians are afraid of appearing to be on the side of law enforcement because of whom it might offend.
This is not right, moral, or just.
Families should not have to worry that their car is going to be shot into because they have a NYPD bumper sticker.
Officers should not worry they are going to be shot by an angry bystander while getting a cup of coffee.
There is too much hate in the nation right now, and perpetuating the lies that officers are not on the side of the people only puts the community and those protecting it at risk.