Gun Deaths Among Law Enforcement Up 700 Percent

Casey Harper

Gun deaths among law enforcement have skyrocketed this year due largely to a slew of police officer deaths this week.

At least five on-duty police officers were killed during a four-day period this week. A Colorado sheriff’s deputy was fatally shot Monday followed by two Sheriff deputies Wednesday in Maryland, CNN reports. Police officers in Georgia and North Dakota were killed this week as well. According to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, 11 officers have been killed on duty so far this year.

While that number is lower than the 13 killed at this time last year, the statistic is still troubling. Last year, more officers had died at this time but those were in mostly traffic-related deaths. If you only count officers who were killed in firearm-related deaths, this year’s numbers are up 700 percent. Eight officers have been killed this year in gun-related deaths while this time last year that number was only one.

The Natinoal Sheriff’s Association called out the “senseless killing” of police this week, which comes “on the heels of the anti-police ‘entertainment’ at the Sunday Super Bowl halftime show – reminds us that the men and women in law enforcement take a solemn oath that includes putting their lives on the line every day to protect our citizens.”

The group called on everyone to wear blue Friday to show their support for law enforcement.

Stand w/ Law Enforcement-Wear & Display BLUE tomorrow, Feb. 12, 1P EDT moment of silence. https://t.co/XjqItsNQne pic.twitter.com/TZ5S6rwMCf

— Nat Sheriffs’ Assoc (@NationalSheriff) February 11, 2016

And politicians, citizens and local law enforcement across the country joined in.

Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office participated in the National Sheriff’s Association Wear Blue All Day Campaign. pic.twitter.com/lUPYBALLa4

— Okeechobee Sheriff (@OkeeSheriff) February 12, 2016

Here at Prepared Response, we #BackTheBlue! Thank you to all law enforcement! @NationalSheriff pic.twitter.com/Jf9460FA4j

— Prepared Response (@RapidResponder1) February 12, 2016

Hudson wanted to wear his police costume today to show his support for LEOs! @NationalSheriff pic.twitter.com/rQPKFQswZh

— St. Mary’s Sheriff (@firstsheriff) February 12, 2016

Join #MariposaSO & Sheriff’s throughout the nation, in honoring Officers lost this week. WERE BLUE FRIDAY FEB 12TH pic.twitter.com/XLN20qTXgR

— Mariposa Sheriff (@MariposaSheriff) February 11, 2016

Join us in a moment of silence to honor recently fallen officers tomorrow 2/12 at 12 PM CST #CleburnePD #wearblue pic.twitter.com/02ktOy7Snp

— Chief Rob Severance (@ChiefSeverance) February 12, 2016

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