SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – “When is it going to stop?”
Those are some of the words of the president of the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police after two officers have been killed, and one seriously injured, in less than 24 hours.
Chris Southwood says the lives of Bradley, Illinois police Sergeant Marlene Rittmanic and Wayne County Sheriffs Deputy Sean Riley should be grieved by everyone in the state.
Southwood calls both deaths senseless murders, and that a false narrative continues that “police officers” are the bad guys.”
A suspect in the death of Riley has been arrested after a multi-state crime spree. A suspect in the death of Rittmanic and injuring of a second officer remains on the loose.
Southwood’s full statement is below.
“In less than 24 hours we have lost two of the state’s finest public servants, both dedicated officers whose murders are a senseless, reprehensible stain on humanity during what should be a season of peace. To be shot to death while helping a stranded motorist or gunned down while trying to quiet a barking dog is further evidence that more criminals are becoming emboldened by the continuing false narrative that police officers are the bad guys. When is it going to stop? How many more officers’ families will be left to grieve while the real bad guys continue to slaughter those in uniform? As we enter a new year we urge all Illinoisans to grieve alongside these officers’ families, and to let all who will listen know that we will no longer tolerate an environment where wearing a badge makes you a target.”
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