COLUMBUS, Ohio — Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther says the increase in violence against officers is unacceptable and it's an assault on the city. He's also calling for change and asking lawmakers to step up after the fourth shooting involving an officer within the last month.
Ginther and LaShanna Potts, an assistant chief of police for the Columbus Division of Police, provided statements after visiting an injured officer at the Grant Medical Center Wednesday morning.
Ginther said violence against police officers is unacceptable. He asked that the General Assembly pass "common sense gun laws" like universal background checks and red flag laws.
“This community stands united. If you come after one of our officers, you are coming through all of us," he said.
The Columbus officer was injured during an exchange of gunfire at a south Columbus shopping center. The suspect was killed in the shooting. Wednesday's shooting involving was the fourth in a month that involves an officer.
“We need everyone’s help to get guns and violent criminals off our streets. Our officers are doing their jobs."
Potts said there have been 106 assaults on police officers this year.
She believes one of the reasons why is our laws.
“We know that permitless carry is one of the factors. We also know sometimes violent criminals are not held accountable as they should be."
Potts said until the law changes, she believes the violence will continue.
“Our officers will not be shot at. It cannot be tolerated in the city of Columbus. The citizens have spoken, they want a safe city. The mayor is doing everything he can, police is doing everything we can."
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