Dear Representative Davids,
I am writing on behalf of the members of the Fraternal Order of Police to ask that you cosponsor H.R. 1551, the “Protect and Serve Act,” which was drafted in direct response to the pervasive attacks on law enforcement by those whose only seeming motivation is to harm or kill a law enforcement officer.
Deputy Elijah Ming, a nine-year veteran of the Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Office, responded to an emergency call from a woman who, along with her friends, were being threatened by an armed man. Deputy Ming, along with another officer from the Kansas City Police Department, arrived and immediately found themselves under fire. Deputy Ming was struck and died a short time later at the hospital. His killer is in custody and awaiting charges.
The “Protect and Serve Act” is a priority for the FOP and would impose, in limited circumstances, Federal penalties on individuals who deliberately target local, State or Federal law enforcement officers with violence. So far this year, 198 officers have been shot in the line of duty. Of those officers, 26 were killed. There have been 45 ambush-style attacks on law enforcement officers this year which resulted in 56 officers shot, 12 of whom were killed.
The FOP has asked the Committee on the Judiciary to take up and pass this legislation, but we have encountered opposition from the majority and the bill has not been scheduled for mark-up or even a hearing. We believe it is past time for the House to pass the “Protect and Serve Act,” and we are asking you to support our efforts and cosponsor H.R. 1551. Our men and women who wear the badge need our help now, especially in the wake of this tragedy.
On behalf of the more than 377,000 members of the Fraternal Order of Police, thank you for considering our request. If I can provide any additional information or support for this effort, please do not hesitate to contact me or Executive Director Jim Pasco in our Washington, D.C. office.
Sincerely,
Patrick Yoes
National President