The law enforcement veteran discusses the “bone-headed” decision to punish officers that risked their lives to do their duty.
Even though several officers risked their lives on Saturday to keep order during the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, their higher-ups felt the need to punish them for taking the job.
Per this report from WPXI, two Pittsburgh police motorcycle officers have been taken off that particular duty after being injured during the rally. An assassin attempted to take out Trump, narrowly missing him. One retired firefighter was killed during the attack, and several others were injured.
The decision to remove the officers from duty has been met with severe blowback within the department. There’s a good reason for that, however – the Chief Investigator says he got approval from the Bureau to serve Trump’s motorcade, while they officially deny it. On top of that, the official response from Pittsburgh police has not calmed the situation down.
“This was an administrative decision made by the Chief. Per the FOP [union] contract, I am unable to speak to the reasons behind the move as it involves personnel,” said spokesperson Cara Cruz in a statement.
However, the Fraternal Order of Police President Bob Swartzwelder had a strong response on the matter. “In a time when we should be honoring the heroics of these officers, we’ve created some petty administrative investigation in the midst of a serious political race.”
Should the officers be allowed to return to duty, especially after assisting to save the former President’s life? Michael Letts seems to think so. The long-time law enforcement veteran joins us now to discuss the matter further, and why creating division simply isn’t the answer right now.
Q&A:
- What are your thoughts on the Pittsburgh police department suspending two cycle officers for working and getting injured during the Trump rally?
- What do you think about the Bureau stating they never gave official permission, despite the Chief Investigator saying it was received? Should that have been investigated further?
- Are you surprised that it’s creating so much divide within the police division? How would you have handled this matter differently?
- Isn’t this a time that police should be working together, instead of creating divide? Especially at a time that America needs it?
- What do you think we’ll see with the Presidential election this year? Is it truly Trump’s time to return?
- You’re the creator of InVest USA, an organization that provides bulletproof vests to police officers through various charitable groups and sponsorships. Tell us more about that, and why support for fellow officers is so important right now.
- Where can we learn more about InVest USA, and how those interested can help their fellow officers.
- You can visit our official InVest USA website, and learn more on the official Invest USA Twitter account. You can also learn about my new initiative at RestoringJustice.US, where we discuss lawful issues surrounding citizens of the United States.
About Michael Letts:
Michael Letts is the Founder, President, and CEO of InVest USA, a national grassroots non-profit organization that is helping hundreds of communities provide thousands of bulletproof vests for their police forces through educational, public relations, sponsorship, and fundraising programs. He also has over 30 years of law enforcement experience under his belt, hence his pro-police stance for his brothers and sisters in blue. Those interested in learning more about Letts can visit his official website here.
CONTACT: Jerry McGlothlin at: jerry@specialguests.com or 919-437-0001.
