Madam Speaker, on January 23, 22-year-old Jamal Adem Omer assaulted a Royal Newfoundland Constabulary officer and a civilian employee outside police headquarters in St. John's. He faces charges of aggravated assault, assaulting a police officer, uttering threats, resisting arrest and attempting to disarm an officer.
Both victims were injured and required medical attention. The civilian who was injured was a very good friend of mine. Members would be devastated if they saw the pictures.
Officers and staff at RNC headquarters are devastated that this happened on their own property. They want a safe and secure workplace where police and civilian staff can perform their duties without fear and where they can drop off and pick up their kids at the on-site day care knowing they are safe.
Criminals know the law is on their side. The assault is the result of 10 years of the government's mismanagement of the judicial system. The government must listen to those on the front lines and support our police officers, strengthen protections—