Ex-Riverside Chief: Alarming Rise In Officer Shootings Demands Urgent Action

RIVERSIDE, IL – A new report from the National Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) reveals a disturbing surge in police officers shot while on duty across the United States. In Illinois alone, nine officers have been shot this year, and 39 nationwide have been killed while serving their communities. Texas leads the nation with 36 officers shot in the line of duty.

Chief Tom Weitzel, retired Riverside Police Chief and current Illinois Ambassador for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF), emphasized the dramatic increase in ambush-style attacks. “So far, 58 separate ambush attacks have taken place. These are targeted, calculated assaults on law enforcement,” Weitzel said.

Despite this trend, no federal legislation aimed at improving officer safety has been passed and signed into law. “It’s frustrating,” said Chief Weitzel. “Springfield and Washington have failed to act. Our officers are being hunted, and lawmakers remain silent.”

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

He warned that without visible, vocal support from elected officials, chaos will follow. “If leaders won’t stand with law enforcement, they’re standing with disorder.”