Joe Biden on Sunday condemned acts of violence against police officers after two Los Angeles sheriff’s deputies were hospitalized after being shot in a videotaped attack Saturday night.

“Brave officers who pin on the shield carry a sacred responsibility and make an extraordinary sacrifice,” Biden said in a statement released by his campaign.

“Just as they owe it to the American people to protect and serve with honor, restraint, and accountability, Americans owe it to them to lessen the needless danger of their inherently dangerous jobs.

“Acts of lawlessness are unacceptable, outrageous, and entirely counterproductive to the pursuit of greater peace and justice in America – as are the actions of those who cheer such attacks on.”

Biden also called for the punishment of those who commit crimes against police officers.

The two deputies shot Saturday night were “ambushed” as they sat in their car. Authorities say the shooting happened at 7 p.m. A suspect from behind the vehicle walked along the passenger side and acted as though he was going to walk past the car. He then raised a pistol and shot multiple times, hitting both deputies.

The officers – a 31-year-old mother and 24-year-old man – were taken to the hospital and are “both still fighting for their lives,” said the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department.

“This is just a somber reminder that this is a dangerous job, and actions and words have consequences. Our job does not get any easier because people do not like law enforcement,” Sheriff Alex Villanueva said. “It pisses me off, it dismays me at the same time. There’s no pretty way to say it.”