Representative Kevin Hern (OK-01) released the following statement after signing Heritage Action’s “Police Pledge”. The Pledge offers Rep. Hern’s full support for law enforcement officers in our country and commits his opposition to any legislative efforts to defund the police.

“I have the utmost respect and admiration for our police force,” said Rep. Hern. “It was not a hard decision to sign this pledge – it’s a written commitment of the values I live by every day. The movement to ‘defund the police’ is dangerous and would be harmful to our community. While many argue that ‘defund’ does not mean ‘defund’, local officials in at least 13 cities across our country have already taken legislative steps to do just that, with many activists calling for the complete dissolution of their local police departments. In addition, police officers are facing exponentially increased danger in the line of duty for no reason other than the uniform they wear. My constituents ask me about this every day, they’re concerned about the security of our community and the safety of those who choose to serve and protect their neighbors.

“Tulsa had a hard summer following the shooting of Sergeant Craig Johnson and Officer Aurash Zarkeshan. The grief of Sgt. Johnson’s death was felt by the entire community, who rallied around the Johnson and Zarkeshan families with support, encouragement, sympathy, and love. There is no doubt about it, the movement to ‘defund the police’ has no place in Oklahoma. I cannot and will not support legislative action that harms our people by cutting or eliminating law enforcement.”

The Pledge has garnered the support of over 100 Members of the House of Representatives, 11 U.S. Senators, 2 Governors, and nearly 50,000 citizens.

More information on the Police Pledge can be found here.

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