AndrewBlakeQuantico, Virginia – On Friday, President Donald Trump called for the death penalty for anyone convicted of killing a police officer. (Video below)
President Trump made his comments Friday while speaking at the FBI National Academy, according to PBS.org.
During the presidential campaign, Trump said he’d sign an executive order as president that would mandate capital punishment for cop killers. He has yet to sign it.
“I want to send a message today to those who threaten violence against our police, we will protect those who protect us,” Trump told his audience. “And we believe criminals who kill police officers should get the death penalty.”
Trump talked about the hostility police face while on the job.
“We have seen an alarming increase in violent assaults carried out against our police officers,” Trump said. “Last year an officer was assaulted in American on average every 10 minutes. In 2016, more than 140 officers lost their lives serving in the line of duty. These deaths fill our hearts with pain and with grief. Every drop of blood spilled from our men and women in blue is a wound inflicted on our nation. And when a brother or sister in uniform is hurt, on that day all of America bleeds blue.”
During the speech, Trump took a shot at the violence in the city of Chicago.
“What the hell is going on in Chicago?” Trump wondered aloud as the crowd laughed.
He said police don’t get the recognition they deserve.
“It’s not a news story when our officers save a life, rescue a family or stop a crime,” Trump said. “It’s just another day on the job.”
“Being a police officer is not just a career, it’s a calling,” Trump said. “The president of the United States has your back 100 percent. I will fight for you. And I will never, ever let you down.”
You can see the video of his speech here: