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President Donald Trump has been endorsed by over 40 Pennsylvania sheriffs, his campaign announced on Thursday.
The letter from the team of sheriffs emphasized the importance of safe communities and opposing efforts to defund police.
“As elected law enforcement officers in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, we consistently hear two messages from our constituents and neighbors: that they want safe communities for their families and children, and that they oppose radical defund-the-police agendas by career politicians. That is why we are proudly standing with President Donald J. Trump and wholeheartedly endorse his candidacy for President of the United States,” the Pennsylvania sheriffs wrote in the letter.
“Even before he was ever a candidate for office, Donald J. Trump has stood shoulder-to-shoulder with police and law enforcement. He is the only candidate who has supported and continues to support law and order, law enforcement, and our duty to serve our communities and keep them safe,” they added.
Their support for Trump also addressed the southern border and ongoing issues related to immigration.
“Immigration is not only a border-state issue. Under President Trump, we had a secure border and proper enforcement of our immigration laws. World leaders respected President Trump, and border crossings fell,” their letter noted.
“Without his strong leadership, our border has been swung open– open to thousands of border crossers each day and unimaginable quantities of lethal drugs such as fentanyl and methamphetamine that are pouring right into Pennsylvania communities, bringing crime and devastation to countless families,” the sheriffs continued.
The Trump campaign’s statement expressed appreciation for the endorsements that adds to a growing list of police groups supporting Trump’s comeback bid for the White House.
“These sheriffs are throwing their support behind the only candidate who will put the safety of Americans and law enforcement first. President Trump has always backed the blue – working to restore the rule of law, forge new partnerships with state and local law enforcement agencies, provide support for police officers, and adopt aggressive strategies for ending gang and drug-related violence,” the Trump campaign’s statement noted.
Other law enforcement groups that have endorsed Trump include the National Fraternal Order of Police, National Association of Police Organizations, Albuquerque Police Officers Association, Arizona Police Association, Milwaukee Police Association, Las Vegas Police Protective Association and Police Officers Association of Michigan.