For Immediate Release: September 16, 2024 [email protected]
Statement by Sue Riseling, Chair, Police Leaders for Community Safety
We strongly condemn the apparent attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump and the alarming political and gun violence facing our nation. Thanks to Secret Service agents – who valiantly performed their duties – and an alert bystander, the former President was unharmed, and the suspect was quickly and safely apprehended.
According to news reports, this suspect is a convicted felon who should not have been able to access a firearm of any sort, but was able to acquire a military-style weapon capable of immense destruction. This incident serves as a stark reminder that military-style weapons in dangerous hands and our climate of political hostility are a dangerous mix. They threaten both individuals and our democracy.
The time is now for Members of Congress on all sides of the political spectrum to come together to strengthen our nation’s gun laws, and for political leaders across our nation to encourage adherence to our democratic processes to resolve political differences – which is, of course, the foundation of our democracy.
About Police Leaders for Community Safety: Police Leaders for Community Safety is a 501(c)4 organization formed by leading law enforcement professionals. We are committed to promoting policies and public investments that enhance safety, improve policing, protect public processes, and uphold human dignity across America.
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