Kate Laurensen is a veteran reporter. She started out covering entertainment news for the local city paper before moving up to the City desk. She studied journalism at San Francisco City College for the Arts.
May 15 , 2025
Washington, DC - President Donald Trump marked National Peace Officers Memorial Day with a speech that began with solemn recognition of fallen law enforcement officers — but quickly took a controversial turn as he veered off-script to praise individuals convicted for their roles in the January 6 Capitol riot.
Speaking via video recording from the Middle East, Trump began by honoring the sacrifices of police officers who have died in the line of duty, calling them "the brave backbone of American safety." In his prepared remarks, he ordered that all U.S. government flags be flown at half-staff to honor the fallen.
“These men and women gave their lives to protect our communities,” Trump said. “Their courage and service will never be forgotten.”
However, midway through his address, Trump shifted focus from the solemn theme of the day, launching into an impromptu commentary on the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol. He referred to several of the convicted rioters as “patriots” and “hostages,” drawing visible discomfort from some members of the audience, including law enforcement officials present at the event.
“They were there because they love this country, and many of them have been treated very unfairly,” Trump said, to a mixed reaction from the crowd. “Someday they will be remembered for standing up for America.”
National Peace Officers Memorial Day has been observed annually on May 15 since it was established in 1962 by President John F. Kennedy. It is traditionally a nonpartisan occasion to honor the sacrifice of America’s law enforcement officers.
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