A recent feature article regarding law enforcement line-of-duty deaths was truly disheartening and speaks to our culture of gun violence. Eight local officers who lost their lives while serving our communities were highlighted. Five of those eight officers were fatally shot while responding to domestic disputes. At least some of those deaths may have been preventable.
We talk big of backing the blue, but to do so, we must support sensible gun safety laws. We need background checks to truly keep guns out of the hands of abusers. There must be restrictions on gun purchases and ownership. We need consistent application of laws regarding abusers. Law enforcement cannot continue to be outarmed and ambushed by those who have no business owning guns.
Except for years when covid deaths outpaced gun deaths, in recent years, including 2022, the leading cause of death of our police officers has been due to guns, homicides first, but also suicides.
To support our police, we must support adequate gun safety laws. The majority of Americans want stronger gun safety laws. If we truly want to back the blue, we must demand action from our lawmakers.
Lisa Messineo
Penn Township, Westmoreland County