1 of 5 | President Donald Trump appears at the 36th Annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. on Monday. The service honored members of law enforcement who died in the line of duty in the past year. Photo by Chris Kleponis/UPI |
License Photo
May 15 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump, appearing at a memorial service honoring 394 police officers killed in the line of duty in the past year, reiterated his support for law enforcement and criticized verbal and physical "attacks" on them.
"We are living through an era in which our police have been subject to unfair defamation," Trump said during the 36th Annual National Peace Officers' Memorial Service outside the U.S. Capitol. "The attacks on our police are a stain on the very fabric of our society."
Trump pledged he will always back police.
"A very sad thing is that many of today's politicians don't want to say that, don't want to talk about that, because it's not politically correct," Trump said. "I will say it and I will talk about it proudly."
Trump wants to rid the United States of gang violence. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement last week announced it concluded a six-week nationwide operation targeting gangs that made 1,378 arrests, including 1,095 were confirmed as gang members and affiliates.
"Now as president my highest duty is to keep America safe," Trump said. "And included in safe means safe from crimes, safe from terrorists, and safe from all enemies foreign and domestic."
Vice President Mike Pence, who spoke before Trump, and Attorney General Jeff Sessions also attended the memorial.
"I will always support the incredible men and women of law enforcement as much as you have always supported me. And you did, big league," Trump said. "You are the thin blue line between civilization and chaos. You rush into unknown danger, risking your lives for people you have never met. And often without any thanks at all."
Trump said, "The attacks on our police must end, and they must end right now." He mentioned the ambushes of police last year in Baton Rouge, La., and in Dallas.
"As long as I'm president, you will always find an open door to the White House," Trump added.
Earlier Monday in the Oval Office, Trump signed a proclamation to mark Peace Officers' Memorial Week and Police Week.
He appeared with peace officers, noting "some of you have suffered greatly and we're going to take care of it."
Trump said he is asking the Justice Department to develop ways to prevent and prosecute violent crimes against law enforcement.
"They've had it with what's going on, and we're going to get it taken care of. We're going to get it taken care of quickly, he said.
Already this year, he noted 118 law enforcement officers died in the line of duty.
Trump also announced he will light the White House in blue on Monday night to honor fallen police officers.
