Report: Officer Deaths by Guns Up 31 Percent Over 2015

Prior to Thursday's massacre of five police officers in Dallas, 2016 was already trending as a deadlier year for police officers nationwide, according to the American Media Institute.

Police officer deaths — 21 — were up 31 percent over 2015 through July 7, the institute reported. That's compared to:

• 2015: Total of 39 officers were killed by gunfire.
• 2014: Total of 47 officers were killed by gunfire.

Back in May, Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards signed into law a bill called "Blue Lives Matter" which expands hate crimes protection to law enforcement officers, AMI reported.

"Coming from a family of law enforcement officers, I have great respect for the work that they do and the risks they take to ensure our safety," the institute quoted Edwards' statement. "They deserve every protection that we can give them."

Related Stories:

• Dallas Sniper Killed by Police Bomb Wanted to 'Kill White People'
• Experts: Dallas Shooters Showed Planning, Tactical Training