Washington, DC - Patrick Yoes, National President of the Fraternal Order of Police, issued the following statement on recent events:

Every day, law enforcement officers—local, State, and Federal—across the country perform their duties with selflessness, professionalism and courage, often under immense pressure and in rapidly evolving situations. It is essential that we support these vital activities, which are critical to upholding the rule of law and maintaining public safety.

We are deeply concerned by the reckless public statements and premature judgments from some political leaders, activists, and organizations that rush to condemn law enforcement without a full understanding of the facts. Such actions undermine public trust in our officers, exacerbate tensions, and make an already dangerous job even more perilous. They also disregard the fundamental principle of due process, which applies to everyone—including those who wear the badge. In our system of justice, no one should be convicted in the court of public opinion before a thorough, independent investigation has been completed.

The ultimate judgment in cases like Minneapolis is governed by the landmark guidance in Graham v. Connor, a unanimous decision by the U.S. Supreme Court, which reads in part:

The reasonableness of a particular use of force must be judged from the perspective of a
Reasonable officer on the scene, rather than with the 20/20 vision of hindsight.

Thus, neither the biased “analyses” of the agenda-driven media, or the hyperactive rants of opportunistic politicians will play a substantive role in this case—they will only serve to accelerate the tribalization of the once United States. We do not have all the information at this time. Until we do, the FOP calls on everyone to exercise restraint in their rhetoric and allow the investigative process to unfold and afford law enforcement the same presumption of fairness that is extended to every citizen.

The credibility of our profession depends on accountability, transparency, and adherence to the highest standards. We remain committed to these principles and urge unity in supporting our officers while ensuring that justice is served through facts, not rhetoric.

The National Fraternal Order of Police will continue to advocate for the safety, rights, and respect of law enforcement professionals nationwide. We stand ready to work collaboratively toward solutions that build trust and protect all communities.