VFW Statement on Baton Rouge Shooting

Jul 19, 2016

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States again extends its heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the law enforcement community and the families of the victims of the recent attack that left three Baton Rouge police officers dead and three other officers wounded. Among the dead was Matthew Gerald, a Marine and former U.S. Army and Black Hawk crew chief with three tours in Iraq.

“America’s law enforcement officials—many of them veterans—ensure we’re able to safely exercise the freedoms that have been paid for by the many sacrifices of America’s service members. While those in law enforcement face risks, the increasingly dangerous confrontations of today are becoming too much. Our local, state and national governments must do all they can to better protect those who maintain order,” said VFW National Commander John A. Biedrzycki Jr.