Dear Friend, 

The past few years have been incredibly taxing on our law enforcement officers. They have faced hostility, budget cuts and increasing crime on top of the daily stressors that come with a career in law enforcement. Nevertheless, they have continued to show up every day, ready to serve and protect our communities, regardless of what the next call may bring.

Our law enforcement officers face danger every shift. This year alone, 30 law enforcement officers have died in the line of duty, 15 of them were shot and killed. These attacks on our peace officers are unacceptable and must stop.

Tragically, these heinous attacks are not isolated to large cities on the East or West Coast. Right here in Minnesota on April 15^th, two Pope County Sheriff’s Deputies and one Police Officer from Starbuck were shot while responding to a report of domestic violence. One, Pope County Sheriff’s Deputy Josh Owen, was killed. It was his 44^th birthday.

Watch: Members of the Minnesota delegation honor Pope County Sheriff’s Deputy Joshua Owen

In honor of Deputy Owen’s life, members of the Minnesota delegation gathered on the House floor last week for a moment of silence to honor his sacrifice. Our law enforcement officers work tirelessly every day to keep our communities safe, we need to do everything we can to protect these brave men and women in the line of duty.

We remain committed to ensuring our law enforcement officers have every possible tool to keep themselves safe in the line of duty and we continue to pray for Deputy Owen’s family, fellow officers, and the community of Pope County.

Sincerely,