Criminals Feel 'Empowered To Attack' Officers: Ex-Riverside Chief

RIVERSIDE, IL – Illinois is the sixth-largest state in population. But it had the second-highest number of officers shot in the line of duty last year, according to a report from the Fraternal Order of Police.

Illinois, with 21 officers shot, was only behind Texas, with 32.

Tom Weitzel, a former Riverside police chief and the Illinois ambassador to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, said ambush attacks on police officers are increasing dramatically.

In a news release, he said he was frustrated over a lack of assistance from lawmakers in Washington and Springfield.

"The rhetoric from some political leaders that undermines law enforcement must stop," Weitzel said. "Such words contribute to violent criminals feeling empowered to attack police officers and resisting arrest, fostering an environment of lawlessness."