(NEXSTAR) – A week after two National Guard members were shot in Washington, D.C., lawmakers on Capitol Hill hosted a hearing on violence against law enforcement officers. FBI data shows assaults on law enforcement officers reached a 10-year high in 2024, with more than 85,000 reported. Michael Hughes, executive director of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, called the rise in violence "a serious national security concern." "Officers who fear for their safety or the safety of their families cannot perform at their best," Hughes told the panel. The hearing was hosted by the House Homeland Security Committee. "It's just disgusting to see the destruction and the complete pushback on the rule of law," said Rep. August Pfluger (R-Texas). Jonathan Thompson, executive director and CEO of the National Sheriffs' Association, called on lawmakers to tone down their rhetoric against law enforcement. "It doesn't motivate your base. It doesn't make more donors, give you money," he said. "It creates lone wolves." "I don't think any of us here denigrate any law enforcement officer," Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Mississippi) said. "But in every occupation, there are standards that you have to adhere to." Democratic lawmakers questioned some law enforcement tactics, such as ICE officers wearing face coverings. DC Metropolitan Police officer Daniel Hodges, who responded to the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol, shared that concern. "It destroys trust between the community and law enforcement, which is paramount," he said. "We need the community on our side." Others argue the face coverings are meant for the officers' protection. "Doxxing, as we know, has become a huge problem and is one of the reasons that the face coverings are being used now," Hughes said. The law enforcement groups represented at the hearing also called on Congress to pass new legislation to provide stronger protections for police officers, including new federal penalties for assaults.