President Obama recently wrote a letter, dated July 18, addressed to “the brave members of our Nation’s law enforcement community.”
“Every day, you accept this responsibility and you see your colleagues do their difficult, dangerous jobs with equal valor.” He wrote:
“I want you to know that the American people see it, too. We recognize it, we respect it, we appreciate it, and we depend on you. And just as your tight-knit law enforcement family feels the recent losses to your core, our Nation grieves alongside you. Any attack on police is an unjustified attack on all of us.”
This message comes following the shooting of officers in Dallas, and more recently Baton Rouge. It also comes following accusations that Obama doesn’t support law enforcement by Republicans and law enforcement officials.
According to The Washington Post, Obama had a private meeting with U.S. officers and officials to discuss the topic of police reform. He also spoke at the memorial for the Dallas officers who were killed.
In his letter, he concurs that he has spent some time with law enforcement over the past couple of weeks, condemns those who are using recent events “to divide police and the communities [they] serve,” and offers a list of praises for those who “defend us with quiet dignity.”
He ends his letter, saying:
“As we bind up our wounds, we must come together to ensure that those who try to divide us do not succeed. We are at our best when we recognize our common humanity, set an example for our children of trust and responsibility, and honor the sacrifices of our bravest by coming together to be better.
Thank you for your courageous service. We have your backs.”
This commendation of U.S. law enforcement is also coming after the murders of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile at the hands of police, as well as widespread criticism of Obama for coddling police and silencing important voices during ABC’s Town Hall special.
You can read the full letter here.
