Washington, DC - Patrick Yoes, National President of the Fraternal Order of Police, described the violence in Los Angeles as “simply unacceptable” and made clear the FOP supports the men and women on the ground working to protect the public.

“Our First Amendment freedoms are one of our most sacred. You can demonstrate, you can march, and you can call loudly for change,” Yoes said. “But we cannot have these efforts demeaned and devalued by those who incite or commit acts of violence in our communities.

“The men and women in law enforcement will continue to protect the safety of the public and defend those who are peacefully protesting or demonstrating. They are there to uphold and restore law and order and protect the public,” Yoes said. “With that said, violence, destruction, and interference with our officers will not be tolerated. Attacks targeting our law enforcement officers should be dealt with swiftly.

“We commend and strongly support the men and women in law enforcement for upholding law and order whenever and wherever it is threatened. We are proud of them and the job they do, and we are praying that all of them reach the end of their shifts safely,” Yoes. “We call on the public to support our officers during this time and urge an end to the violence.”