CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Donald Trump claimed a significant endorsement from one of the nation’s top law enforcement lobbies on Friday, accompanied by a scathing critique of the U.S. legal system that has recently prosecuted him on almost three dozen felony counts with three more pending cases.
The Fraternal Order of Police convention held in North Carolina aimed to position Trump as a law-and-order advocate while painting his Democratic opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, as feeble given her background as a former prosecutor and California attorney general.
While addressing crime and law enforcement, Trump also celebrated a New York judge’s decision to delay his sentencing on 34 felony counts in a business fraud case until after Election Day. Despite numerous court rejections of his claims, Trump reiterated his accusations of election fraud and pledged to fight “Marxist prosecutors,” suggesting that enhanced police presence could deter voter fraud due to public fear.
The gathering highlighted the paradox of a national law enforcement entity embracing a political figure who has disparaged U.S. institutions and instigated a mob that attacked law enforcement officers at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021—a crisis central to Trump’s ongoing legal challenges as he seeks a return to power.
Highlighted prominently was the deferred Manhattan D.A. case, which Trump referenced early in his address, claiming innocence. Patrick Yoes, FOP’s national president, commended Trump’s support during the 2020 nationwide protests against police brutality, lauding him as a dependable ally.
Despite facing felony charges, Trump utilized the event to criticize Harris on crime issues, asserting that American communities are in peril due to her policies. He emphasized unwavering backing for the police, advocating for increased use of force to restore order and respect.
Encouraging police to be vigilant against voter fraud in the upcoming election, Trump reiterated unproven claims while Harris highlighted her law enforcement background and branded Trump as a threat to public safety.
The FOP’s endorsement echoes other police groups supporting Trump, despite his conflicting stances on police-related matters such as supporting Capitol riot defendants. Judges and juries handling these cases have heard accounts of severe attacks on officers, with over 140 officers injured during the Capitol siege, marking a tragic day in law enforcement history.
Trump’s portrayal of Jan. 6 defendants as patriots has puzzled critics, but his base remains steadfast, as reflected by attendee Janice Moody’s sentiment that they did not act maliciously. The event drew national attention, setting the stage for a contentious election.
Reported by Barrow from Atlanta, with contribution from Associated Press writer Chris Megerian in Washington.
For more information, contact Meg Kinnard at http://x.com/MegKinnardAP
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