As violent crime surges across the United States, a new voice is emerging to rally support for law enforcement and victims’ rights. Americans for Public Safety, a nonprofit group that launched this year, aims to counter what it sees as a dangerous trend of leniency toward criminals and disdain for police. Its main goal is to support candidates who value law enforcement and uphold the U.S. Constitution.
In an exclusive interview from Austin, Texas, APS President Justin Keener discussed the group’s mission, its recent endorsement of Virginia Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears for governor, and why public safety should transcend partisan lines. Keener founded the organization amid growing frustration with “judges and prosecutors releasing violent criminals onto the streets.”
“Enough is enough,” Keener told the Washington Examiner. “It’s time to support law enforcement and deliver justice for victims.”
The timing aligns with national priorities, as President Donald Trump has elevated crime-fighting to a top agenda item. Keener credits this focus with early 2025 improvements in crime rates, even without major legislation. “Police know he has their backs,” he noted, suggesting it deters would-be offenders.
A key endorsement highlights the group’s strategy: backing Earle-Sears in her bid for Virginia governor.
“She’s a clear advocate for public safety,” Keener praised, contrasting her with opponent Abigail Spanberger’s running mate, Jay Jones, who allegedly fantasized about harming political rivals. “That’s unacceptable,” Keener said, arguing it undermines fair justice and raises doubts about community safety.
Support extends beyond rhetoric. APS plans financial aid, awareness campaigns, social media boosts, and speaking engagements for pro-law-enforcement candidates.
“Wherever we’re needed, we’ll engage,” Keener affirmed. The group avoids redistricting battles, such as those in Texas or Massachusetts, to keep the focus bipartisan. “Public safety shouldn’t be led by one party,” he emphasized. “Both sides should want safe streets for kids walking to school or workers heading to jobs.”
Keener decried the 2020 “defund the police” movement’s backlash, which eroded morale and fueled violence against officers, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers. When asked about a Chicago Facebook page promoting attacks on police vehicles, Keener also mentioned Texas cases in which repeat offenders — like the suspect arrested 67 times before being charged with murdering Rosalie Cook — were released on bond. In California, protests hurling concrete at officers and burning American flags exemplify fringe extremism, Keener argued.
“Nobody likes rioting or buildings in flames. Voters will punish candidates who disrespect police,” he said.
Criticizing progressive figures like those in “The Squad,” Keener called their anti-law-enforcement stances un-American and said they erode constitutional liberties.
“The government’s first role is protecting liberty, delivered through police, courts, and prisons,” he said. He urged voters to back candidates ensuring fair sentencing, victim justice, and effective rehabilitation, praising Trump’s First Step Act for reducing recidivism.
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As elections near, Keener’s message is clear: Public safety is a moral and constitutional imperative.
“Lift up law enforcement’s sacrifices,” he said. “They just want to do their jobs.” With Americans for Public Safety amplifying this call, the fight for safer communities gains momentum.