Los Angeles, CA—Our prayers and deepest sympathies go to the families and friends of the Baton Rouge police officers and sheriff’s deputies who were ambushed and murdered this morning. We also pray for the recovery of the surviving officers. To the men and women of the Baton Rouge Police Department and East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s office, we mourn with you.

To the civic leaders of our nation, the platitudes and “rhetorical support” for law enforcement must end and be replaced with action. Our police officers deserve your strongest support and undivided attention. Now that ten law enforcement officers have been murdered in ten days, what will you do to keep our communities safe? We need your actions, not your words.

To the anti-police activists, whose apparent sole focus is to lay blame for all the ills of society on those who wear a law enforcement uniform, save your statement of “condolence” to the families of these slain officers unless it is accompanied by the same level of outrage and contempt exhibited after recent officer involved shootings. Anything less would be hypocritical.

In just over one week’s time, this nation has seen its law enforcement officers targeted, hunted and murdered again. We cannot keep our neighborhoods safe if the men and women we ask to protect our communities face ambush around any potential street corner. These officers paid the ultimate sacrifice for simply doing their job. The families of police officers are living in fear each day their loved ones don their uniform and reports for duty. This must end.

About the LAPPL: Formed in 1923, the Los Angeles Police Protective League (LAPPL) represents the more than 9,900 dedicated and professional sworn members of the Los Angeles Police Department. The LAPPL serves to advance the interests of LAPD officers through legislative and legal advocacy, political action and education. The LAPPL can be found on the Web at www.LAPD.com.