The House Committee on Homeland Security, led by Chairman Andrew R. Garbarino (R-NY), has scheduled a full committee hearing for December 3 to address increasing threats and violence against law enforcement officers in the United States.
Recent incidents cited by the committee include a September shooting at a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Dallas, Texas, which resulted in two deaths and injuries to two others. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is treating the event as "an act of targeted violence" against law enforcement. In October, it was reported that gangs in Mexico had placed bounties on ICE officers and senior U.S. Border Patrol agents. State and local agencies have also faced attacks; for example, on July 7, an armed individual attacked a Border Patrol facility in McAllen, Texas, injuring several officers.
Chairman Garbarino commented: “It is unacceptable that the brave men and women of law enforcement, who risk their lives daily to secure the homeland and protect the public, are facing targeted violence from radicals and international gangs on U.S. soil. With assaults against officers skyrocketing and heightened threats of political violence across America, Congress must support the mission of law enforcement and ensure our federal agencies have the tools, resources, and partnerships needed to keep these dedicated professionals safe on the job as they work to protect our communities.”
The hearing is titled “When Badges Become Targets: How Anti-Law Enforcement Rhetoric Fuels Violence Against Officers.” It will take place at 10:00 AM ET in room 310 of the Cannon House Office Building. Witnesses scheduled to testify include Michael Hughes, Executive Director of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association; Jonathan Thompson, Executive Director and CEO of the National Sheriffs’ Association; and Patrick Yoes, National President of the Fraternal Order of Police. Additional witnesses may be announced.
The session will be open to both the public and press, with livestreaming available on YouTube. Press attendance requires congressional credentials and advance RSVP.
