A memorial service took place in Washington over the weekend to honor law enforcement officials who lost their lives on the job in the past two years. US President Joe Biden was in attendance, paying tribute to the fallen law enforcement officers in his remarks.
The memorial service honoring the law enforcement officials took place on Saturday. The service was held at the Capitol. Along with Biden and first lady Dr. Jill Biden, FBI Director Christopher Wray, and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas were also present to honor the officials. Biden also gave a speech during his attendance, reaching out to the families of the 491 officers who died on the job in 2019 and 2020.
“Being a cop today is one hell of a lot harder than it’s ever been,” said the US leader in his speech.
“And to the families of the fallen: You’ve suffered an enormous loss. But understand your loss is also America’s loss … and your pain is America’s pain,” Biden noted.
The US leader also commended the law enforcement agencies for responding to the January 6 insurrection at the Capitol in his remarks. Biden also called for more resources to be brought to law enforcement officers, whom he described as being currently asked to go beyond their duties while expressed sorrow over the recent shooting of three deputies in Texas.
The White House also issued a proclamation to put the flags at half-staff on Saturday. This comes as earlier this year, Biden attended a memorial service for Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick, who was among the five people killed during the Capitol insurrection.
In other news, Biden is set to meet with Pope Francis at the Vatican this month, according to the White House. The meeting with the Pope is part of Biden’s three-leg Europe trip and will take place ahead of the G20 Summit in Rome from October 30 to 31. Biden is the second Catholic US President following John F. Kennedy.
The meeting with Biden and the Pope will center on “working together on efforts grounded in respect for fundamental human dignity, including ending the COVID-19 pandemic, tackling the climate crisis, and caring for the poor,” said the White House.