A report released Monday at the beginning of National Police Week said 2016 was the most dangerous year for members of the nation's law enforcement in five years, the Washington Examiner reported.
The findings, released by the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, showed 135 officers were killed in 2016, a 56 percent increase over 2015, marking the highest number of police fatalities since 2011.
The study said the major cause of officer deaths was by gun violence, with a 500 percent rise from 2015 to 2016 in the number of officers killed by rifles. Last year also saw the highest number of officers killed in ambush-style attacks in over two decades. States that require background checks when purchasing a firearm saw 53 percent fewer officers killed while on duty, according to the study.
President Donald Trump, who has continued his vocal support for law enforcement since taking office, spoke on National Peace Officers Memorial Day at the 36th Annual National Peace Officers' Memorial Service at the U.S. Capitol on Monday, Fox News reported.
"It's a great honor to address America's heroes on this most solemn occasion," Trump said. "Words cannot express the depths of our gratitude, but I hope that our actions will show you how deeply we care and how strongly we feel about protecting those who protect us."
"America stands strong with our men and women in blue," Trump added. "Believe me, we stand strong together."
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