Left: Bradley Reckling. Top: Mohamad Said, bottom, William Butler.
Since June, wIthin a month's time, Michigan has seen three officers murdered in shootings.
Bill Laitner of the Detroit Free Press highlights concerns regarding the shootings:
- Police work has become steadily more dangerous, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, when all violent crime spiked. Since then, overall crime dropped, but not violence to police.
- Many officers and their commanders say more suspects possess more powerful guns, and more suspects violently resist while fleeing.
- Cultural changes are amping up threats, some experts say, including less respect for police following the 2020 social justice protests; and greater willingness of judges and parole boards to release previously violent individuals.
The three officers killed in Michigan include:
►On June 22, Oakland County Deputy Bradley Reckling was shot in Detroit while chasing a car stolen in Madison Heights.
►On June 27. Hillsdale County Deputy Bill Butler Jr. was shot while assisting an officer making an arrest after a traffic stop.
►On July 21, Melvindale Police Cpl. Mohamed Said was shot while running after a driver who fled by foot after jumping out of his car during a traffic stop.
Laitner points out that the three police deaths in Michigan have added to the nationwide total this year that is up 15 percent as of July 1, compared to last year.
