Rep. John Fleming: Politicians Need to Stop Fueling Anti-Cop Spirits; We Need to Pray for Cops

A Republican Louisiana congressman running for Senate is calling out politicians who exasperate negative emotions and hostility towards law enforcement, following the sniper ambush of Dallas police officers late Thursday night.

“Too many of our elected officials have had a hand in fostering this sentiment and allowing undercurrents to exist,” said Rep. John Fleming (R.-La.), a medical doctor. Earlier this week, Alton Sterling was shot and killed by police in Baton Rouge, Louisiana’s capitol.

“While we must condemn any misuse of their authority, let’s not forget that by far police are fulfilling their duty to protect and serve,” he said. “We owe our law enforcement officers the highest respect. Police work is a dangerous job to begin with, and as the Dallas Police Chief noted, getting more dangerous by the day.”

Fleming said he wants Americans to leverage prayer towards a more peaceful country–and he requests the support of President Barack Obama.

“Seeking peace is another goal. I introduced H.Res 430, a congressional resolution calling upon the President to declare a National Day of Prayer for Law Enforcement,” he said. “Unless we see leadership at the highest levels ready to defuse the violent rhetoric and seek peaceful dialogue, this trend will only continue.”

In Dallas, five police officers were killed and up to 12 injured in a shooting by a man identified as Micah X. Johnson, an Army Reservist. The officers were members of both the Dallas Police Department and the Dallas Area Rapid Transit police force.

Fleming said he was troubled that Dallas Police Chief David Brown: “We don’t feel much support most days. Let’s not make today most days.”

The congressman said Americans need to turn this around.

“Please join me in praying for the victim’s families today, and for protection and appreciation for the majority of men and women in law enforcement doing their job” he said. “Seeking justice is always our goal but we see many too willing to circumvent that.”