LANSING – State Rep. Andy Dillon (D-Redford) today denounced a new video game in which the goal is to kill police officers and urged all Michiganians, from parents to public officials, to sign a nationwide petition calling for a boycott of "25 to Life."
"A game that teaches our children to kill police officers is a disgrace and it is a slap in the face to the officers who put their lives on the line everyday for our safety," Dillon said.
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund is circulating a petition urging the public to boycott "25 to Life." The NLEOMF petition campaign calls on parents and caregivers to keep children away from the game, which gives players points for killing law enforcement officers and encourages them to also use bystanders as human shields. Maker Eidos began distributing the game in January.
Dillon supports a resolution calling on the Michigan House to support the NLEOMF petition boycotting "25 to Life."
"Our children should be taught to respect police officers and other law enforcement agents," Dillon said. "I want our children to respect the law, not how to kill the people who enforce it. Parents should not spend their money on such a despicable game. This video game has no place in anyone's home."
In 2004, 153 law enforcement officers were killed in the line of duty in the United States, according to NLEOMF. Around 17,000 are injured on average each year nationwide. The petition to boycott "25 to Life" can be signed at: www.nleomf.com/25tolife/.