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Biden Touts Police Support Amid Rising Crime, Struggles for Union Backing

President Biden spoke at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C., during National Police Week, aiming to support law enforcement officers and highlight ways his administration has aided the police. He emphasized his efforts to ensure officers have necessary resources, such as funding from the COVID relief bill to hire and retain more officers, pay overtime, provide bonuses, and expand benefits for disabled first responders, as well as the Safer America Plan, which allocated billions for public safety training and community policing initiatives.

In addition, Mr. Biden signed a comprehensive gun control package, including incentives for states to implement red flag laws and expand laws preventing those convicted of domestic abuse from owning firearms. Despite these efforts, the president has struggled to gain support from police unions, as violent crimes have increased, resulting in 60 law enforcement officer deaths last year, and a 10-year high in assaults on law enforcement in 2023, according to FBI data.

A Gallup poll revealed that 63% of Americans view nationwide crime as “extremely” or “very” serious, the highest percentage in the poll’s history. President Biden acknowledged the progress made but stressed the need for further action. He attempted to counter the support for former President Donald Trump by referencing the January 6th U.S. Capitol attack, when a pro-Trump mob stormed the building. Despite the attack on law enforcement during the riot, police unions endorsed more Republican candidates than Democrats during the 2022 midterm elections.

Mr. Trump has garnered endorsements from state police unions in Michigan and Florida, as well as various local unions. Although the National Fraternal Order of Police and New York City police unions endorsed Mr. Trump in 2020, they have not yet announced a candidate endorsement for the current election year. President Biden’s remarks served as an attempt to sway law enforcement officers away from supporting his political rival and to emphasize the importance of addressing the increasing challenges faced by law enforcement.

Written by Staff Reports

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