The Cleveland Police Patrolmen's Association has continued its foray into national politics and issued a statement lambasting Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton for her stance on policing.
"Hillary Clinton shows where her priorities lie when she meets with radicals from Black Lives Matter but refuses requests to meet with our local police officers here in Cleveland, Ohio, and across the nation," CPPA President Steve Loomis said in a statement.
Loomis' response came after Clinton met with Black Lives Matter activists before a rally to encourage early voting last week.
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"By accepting this meeting with this racially exclusive and divisive group that has incited attacks against police officers, she sets back our effort to restore trust with the law abiding citizens we serve in the neighborhoods where our presence is needed the most," Loomis said.
The backlash over Clinton's meeting with activists comes after the CPPA voted to endorse Donald Trump for president in early October. The local endorsement reflected the national endorsement of Trump by the Fraternal Order of Police.
"Hillary Clinton disrespects the sacrifice of law enforcement officers across America by meeting with a group like Black Lives Matter, which has advocated for violence against police officers," Sergeant Demetrick Pennie, President of the Dallas Fallen Officer Foundation. "Hillary Clinton's collusion with Black Lives Matter is the worst pandering and completely ignores the tragedy of over 100 police officers killed in the line of duty this year."
