FBI Director Patel Condemns Violence Against Law Enforcement as FOP Pushes for Federal Legislation
National News - Remarks regarding violence directed at law enforcement officers were recently made by FBI Director Kash Patel.
During an appearance on SiriusXM Patriots, "Breitbart News Sunday," a strong warning was issued to individuals who target police officers.
These comments were welcomed by the National Fraternal Order of Police (FOP).
Patrick Yoes, National President of the FOP, responded to the statements made by the FBI Director. "We have clearly documented a terrifying increase in violence targeted at police, and I am very pleased, though not surprised, to hear that this issue is critically important to Director Patel and the FBI. In fact, shortly after he became FBI Director, Executive Director Jim Pasco and I met with him to discuss priorities, and he told us that he would support the 'Protect and Serve Act,'" Yoes said.
It was noted by Yoes that the legislative branch has not advanced necessary safety measures. "This Administration takes violence directed at law enforcement officers seriously, but Congress, to date, has not. Both the House and the Senate refuse to consider the 'Protect and Serve Act,' which I find unconscionable," Yoes added.
The FBI's commitment to holding offenders accountable was reiterated by Patel. Cooperation with local, state, and federal law enforcement partners was emphasized. "You have to back the blue. If you touch a cop, we're going to put you down. We're going to find you and we're going to arrest you," Patel stated.
A recent report issued by the National FOP indicates that 82 officers have been shot in the line of duty in 2026. Eight of these officers were killed. Furthermore, 17 ambush-style attacks on law enforcement have occurred this year. These attacks resulted in 21 officers being shot, with four fatalities.
In response to these threats, the "Protect and Serve Act" was developed with assistance from the National FOP. This legislation would establish federal penalties for individuals who deliberately target law enforcement officers with violence under specific circumstances. The bill was introduced last year but remains stalled in committee.
"Law enforcement is a dangerous profession-officers are always in harm's way and are prepared, if necessary, to lay down their lives in the line of duty. While there is no legislation that Congress could pass that will completely protect officers from harm in the course of performing their duty, we can help deter and punish individuals who target officers for violence by enacting the 'Protect and Serve Act,'" Yoes said. "Congress needs to act now!"
