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LEO Round Table, May 8, 2026
LEO Round Table with Chip DeBlock
S11E090, Shocking News As Judge Apologizes To Would-Be Trump Assassin In Court!
The best states to be a cop according to WalletHub. Shocking news as judge apologizes to would-be trump assassin in court. Trump Secret Service officer arrested for pleasuring himself in front of female hotel guests. Man charged with groping woman on a plane. CRU specialist shot in the eye and still manages to help woman.
LEO Roundtable: Law Enforcement Perspectives on Policy, Judicial Bias, and Field Heroism
LEO Round Table: Law Enforcement Perspective
Analysis of the 2026-05-08 Briefing: Judicial apologies, training failures, and the "WalletHub" controversy.
MAY 08, 2026
Top Editorial Briefs
CONTROVERSY
The WalletHub "Propaganda"
Hosts slam 2026 rankings placing California as the #1 state for police. Scott Stier labels it a "propaganda hit piece" that ignores restrictive "necessary" use-of-force standards and high cost of living.
JUDICIAL
DC Judge Apologizes to Assassin
Judge Zia Faruqui criticized for apologizing to a would-be Trump assassin regarding jail conditions. The panel highlights the "ironic empathy" compared to the treatment of J6 defendants.
HEROISM
Fort Worth Training Contrast
CRU Specialist Edward Zapata (former Marine) shot in the eye with a pellet rifle but remains calm to save a citizen. Panel contrasts his composure with a responding officer's "pure panic" and weapon handling errors.
The Panel
CB
Chip DeBlock
Host / LEO Veteran
SS
Scott Stier
Retired Delta Force
Key Concepts
#UseOfForce #TrainingStress #SecretService #JudicialOverreach
"I thought justice was blind. What are we doing here? It's suicidal empathy towards criminals."
— Scott Stier
Source: LEO Round Table Podcast (May 2026)
46 min listen
This episode of the Leo Roundtable features host Chip DeBlock and former Delta Force operative Scott Stier discussing the controversial 2026 law enforcement state rankings, a federal judge's apology to a would-be assassin, and a dramatic shooting incident in Fort Worth involving a civilian specialist. The discussion highlights the disconnect between statistical rankings and the "real-world" legal and physical risks faced by officers today.
Detailed Summary
The WalletHub State Rankings Controversy
The hosts strongly criticize WalletHub’s 2026 report, which ranks California as the best state for police officers, followed by Connecticut and Illinois. Chip and Scott argue that these rankings are "propaganda" because they rely on metrics like high median salaries (~$77,270) and "police friendliness" without accounting for restrictive legal standards. Specifically, they highlight California’s "necessary" use-of-force standard, which requires exhausting all non-lethal options, as a major liability that could lead to officers being jailed for justifiable actions. They contrast this with the "reasonable" standard used in more conservative states like Florida, which ranked 24th despite having more supportive executive leadership.
2026 Law Enforcement State Rankings (WalletHub)
#1 California: Criticized by hosts for restrictive "necessary" force standards.
#2 Connecticut: Noted for "20/20 hindsight" legal reviews of officer conduct.
#3 Illinois: Ranked high despite urban crime challenges.
#24 Florida: Deemed "common sense" by hosts despite lower statistical ranking.
Note: Hosts argue high pay in top states is offset by cost of living and legal risk.
Judicial Bias and Federal Agency Scandals
The conversation shifts to a "shocking" display of judicial compassion where DC Judge Zia Faruqui apologized to a suspect accused of attempting to assassinate Donald Trump at the White House Correspondents' Dinner. The apology concerned the suspect's treatment on suicide watch, which the hosts describe as "coddling" compared to the harsher treatment of January 6 defendants. This perceived bias is discussed alongside a recent scandal involving Secret Service Uniform Division officer John Andrew Spillman, who was arrested in Miami for indecent exposure. The hosts attribute such lapses in professionalism to a "hiring and vetting crisis," noting reports of the agency advertising for recruits on pizza boxes in Washington, DC.
Heroism vs. Panic: The Fort Worth Shooting
A significant portion of the show analyzes bodycam footage from a Fort Worth shooting. Edward Zapata, a civilian Community Response Unit (CRU) specialist and former Marine, was shot in the eye with a high-powered pellet rifle while taking a burglary report. Despite the injury and heavy bleeding, Zapata remained calm and successfully guided a female complainant to safety over a fence. Scott Stier contrasts Zapata’s "cool, calm demeanor" with the "pure panic mode" of a responding sworn officer who dropped his rifle, fired blindly through his own cruiser window, and failed to maintain accountability for his shots.
Incident Spotlight: Fort Worth Field Response
Heroic Action (Zapata)
Former Marine/Civilian specialist shot in eye; prioritized victim safety; maintained radio discipline while bleeding.
Tactical Failure (Officer)
Dropped rifle under stress; fired pistol through vehicle glass; failed to aim or account for backdrop in neighborhood.
Key Data
Mean Annual Police Wage: $77,270 (National average cited by WalletHub).
WalletHub Metrics: 30 key indicators used to rank "police friendliness."
Fort Worth Incident: Suspect Angel Cantu, 39, faces three counts of aggravated battery on a public servant after a 5-hour manhunt.
Fundraising: A $5,000 goal has been set for Edward Zapata’s medical recovery.
To-Do / Next Steps
Use discount code REDIO15 at Galls.com for 15% off law enforcement gear.
Visit leoroundtable.com to purchase "Thin Blue Line" dri-fit shirts and other support gear.
Donate to the "Help A Hero" fundraiser to support Edward Zapata’s recovery and upcoming eye surgery.
Explore certified firearms specialist training at GunLearn.com to earn college credits through SmarterDegree.
Conclusion
The episode underscores a growing frustration within the law enforcement community regarding "woke" policies and judicial empathy for violent offenders. While administrative data may suggest certain states are ideal for policing, the hosts argue that true professional satisfaction depends on legal protection and rigorous training—qualities exemplified by the heroic actions of Edward Zapata and found lacking in the tactical panic of his sworn counterparts.
View all episodes
By Chip DeBlockLEO Round Table with Chip DeBlock
S11E090, Shocking News As Judge Apologizes To Would-Be Trump Assassin In Court!
The best states to be a cop according to WalletHub. Shocking news as judge apologizes to would-be trump assassin in court. Trump Secret Service officer arrested for pleasuring himself in front of female hotel guests. Man charged with groping woman on a plane. CRU specialist shot in the eye and still manages to help woman.
LEO Roundtable: Law Enforcement Perspectives on Policy, Judicial Bias, and Field Heroism
LEO Round Table: Law Enforcement Perspective
Analysis of the 2026-05-08 Briefing: Judicial apologies, training failures, and the "WalletHub" controversy.
MAY 08, 2026
Top Editorial Briefs
CONTROVERSY
The WalletHub "Propaganda"
Hosts slam 2026 rankings placing California as the #1 state for police. Scott Stier labels it a "propaganda hit piece" that ignores restrictive "necessary" use-of-force standards and high cost of living.
JUDICIAL
DC Judge Apologizes to Assassin
Judge Zia Faruqui criticized for apologizing to a would-be Trump assassin regarding jail conditions. The panel highlights the "ironic empathy" compared to the treatment of J6 defendants.
HEROISM
Fort Worth Training Contrast
CRU Specialist Edward Zapata (former Marine) shot in the eye with a pellet rifle but remains calm to save a citizen. Panel contrasts his composure with a responding officer's "pure panic" and weapon handling errors.
The Panel
CB
Chip DeBlock
Host / LEO Veteran
SS
Scott Stier
Retired Delta Force
Key Concepts
#UseOfForce #TrainingStress #SecretService #JudicialOverreach
"I thought justice was blind. What are we doing here? It's suicidal empathy towards criminals."
— Scott Stier
Source: LEO Round Table Podcast (May 2026)
46 min listen
This episode of the Leo Roundtable features host Chip DeBlock and former Delta Force operative Scott Stier discussing the controversial 2026 law enforcement state rankings, a federal judge's apology to a would-be assassin, and a dramatic shooting incident in Fort Worth involving a civilian specialist. The discussion highlights the disconnect between statistical rankings and the "real-world" legal and physical risks faced by officers today.
Detailed Summary
The WalletHub State Rankings Controversy
The hosts strongly criticize WalletHub’s 2026 report, which ranks California as the best state for police officers, followed by Connecticut and Illinois. Chip and Scott argue that these rankings are "propaganda" because they rely on metrics like high median salaries (~$77,270) and "police friendliness" without accounting for restrictive legal standards. Specifically, they highlight California’s "necessary" use-of-force standard, which requires exhausting all non-lethal options, as a major liability that could lead to officers being jailed for justifiable actions. They contrast this with the "reasonable" standard used in more conservative states like Florida, which ranked 24th despite having more supportive executive leadership.
2026 Law Enforcement State Rankings (WalletHub)
#1 California: Criticized by hosts for restrictive "necessary" force standards.
#2 Connecticut: Noted for "20/20 hindsight" legal reviews of officer conduct.
#3 Illinois: Ranked high despite urban crime challenges.
#24 Florida: Deemed "common sense" by hosts despite lower statistical ranking.
Note: Hosts argue high pay in top states is offset by cost of living and legal risk.
Judicial Bias and Federal Agency Scandals
The conversation shifts to a "shocking" display of judicial compassion where DC Judge Zia Faruqui apologized to a suspect accused of attempting to assassinate Donald Trump at the White House Correspondents' Dinner. The apology concerned the suspect's treatment on suicide watch, which the hosts describe as "coddling" compared to the harsher treatment of January 6 defendants. This perceived bias is discussed alongside a recent scandal involving Secret Service Uniform Division officer John Andrew Spillman, who was arrested in Miami for indecent exposure. The hosts attribute such lapses in professionalism to a "hiring and vetting crisis," noting reports of the agency advertising for recruits on pizza boxes in Washington, DC.
Heroism vs. Panic: The Fort Worth Shooting
A significant portion of the show analyzes bodycam footage from a Fort Worth shooting. Edward Zapata, a civilian Community Response Unit (CRU) specialist and former Marine, was shot in the eye with a high-powered pellet rifle while taking a burglary report. Despite the injury and heavy bleeding, Zapata remained calm and successfully guided a female complainant to safety over a fence. Scott Stier contrasts Zapata’s "cool, calm demeanor" with the "pure panic mode" of a responding sworn officer who dropped his rifle, fired blindly through his own cruiser window, and failed to maintain accountability for his shots.
Incident Spotlight: Fort Worth Field Response
Heroic Action (Zapata)
Former Marine/Civilian specialist shot in eye; prioritized victim safety; maintained radio discipline while bleeding.
Tactical Failure (Officer)
Dropped rifle under stress; fired pistol through vehicle glass; failed to aim or account for backdrop in neighborhood.
Key Data
Mean Annual Police Wage: $77,270 (National average cited by WalletHub).
WalletHub Metrics: 30 key indicators used to rank "police friendliness."
Fort Worth Incident: Suspect Angel Cantu, 39, faces three counts of aggravated battery on a public servant after a 5-hour manhunt.
Fundraising: A $5,000 goal has been set for Edward Zapata’s medical recovery.
To-Do / Next Steps
Use discount code REDIO15 at Galls.com for 15% off law enforcement gear.
Visit leoroundtable.com to purchase "Thin Blue Line" dri-fit shirts and other support gear.
Donate to the "Help A Hero" fundraiser to support Edward Zapata’s recovery and upcoming eye surgery.
Explore certified firearms specialist training at GunLearn.com to earn college credits through SmarterDegree.
Conclusion
The episode underscores a growing frustration within the law enforcement community regarding "woke" policies and judicial empathy for violent offenders. While administrative data may suggest certain states are ideal for policing, the hosts argue that true professional satisfaction depends on legal protection and rigorous training—qualities exemplified by the heroic actions of Edward Zapata and found lacking in the tactical panic of his sworn counterparts.