“When offenders attack law enforcement officers, they attack the individuals who protect us and help maintain law and order in our nation. Each account of a fallen officer is an indescribable tragedy for the family, colleagues, and friends of the officer. As community members, we share this pain and sense of loss. Unfortunately, the headlines describing these attacks are becoming all too common. In Utah, officers are no less immune to violence than those injured in recent weeks in Houston and Denver; or those who lost their lives in Sacramento and Mobile in January or in Milwaukee this week.

“Utah officers David Romrell of South Salt Lake and Joseph Shinners of Provo offered the ultimate sacrifice for our state and nation in December and January. These tragedies do not need to happen. Their families should not have to bear this heavy burden. As a nation, state, and community, we cannot tolerate attacks on those who protect our property and us. We must work together for answers to help curb violence against law enforcement officers.

“I am joining a chorus of other United States Attorneys across our nation to renew our pledges this week to support the men and women of law enforcement, to remember their sacrifices, and to hold accountable those who dare focus violence upon them. In Utah, we should look for opportunities to express gratitude to law enforcement officers; and to encourage respect for them in our communities and within our families. Law enforcement professionals protect us every day. We should return the favor and have their backs, too. #BackTheBlue.”