Trump warns of ‘dangerous anti-police prejudice’

President Donald Trump lamented what he called the spread of a “dangerous anti-police prejudice” in the U.S. during an event to honor fallen and injured law enforcement officials on Tuesday.

Speaking at the 37th annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service on Capitol Hill, an event to recognize those killed in the line of duty, the president vowed his administration would work to protect law enforcement officers.


Trump cited efforts by his administration to boost border security measures and tighten federal immigration restrictions as ways to curb violence against both U.S. citizens and law enforcement officials.

“The first duty of government is to protect our citizens,” Trump said. “That is why we are calling on Congress to secure our borders, support our border agents, stop sanctuary cities, and shut down policies that release violent criminals back into our communities.”

The president also lamented what he described as a growing “prejudice” against police officers.

“If we want to bring down violent crime, then we must stand up for our police,” the president said. “We must confront and condemn dangerous anti-police prejudice.”

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He added: “Can you believe this prejudice with respect to our police? We're not going to let bad things happen to our police.”

During his remarks, the president honored and addressed the families of several fallen officers, including border patrol agent Rogelio Martinez, who died in November in Texas near the Mexico border, and Bronx officer Miosotis Familia, who was shot while in a police vehicle on the Fourth of July.

Trump reiterated his stance that those convicted of killing officers ought to face the death penalty. "We believe criminals who kill our police should get the death penalty,” Trump said. “Bring it forth."

On the presidential campaign trail, Trump said if elected he would sign an executive order mandating capital punishment for convicted cop killers. He was yet to enact such a measure.