Legislation Introduced to Punish Individuals for Targeting Law Enforcement Officers
Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) and 16 other lawmakers reintroduced the Protect and Serve Act, which would create federal penalties for individuals who target law enforcement officers at the federal, state, and local levels.
Due to the dangerous nature of their job, many officers are seriously injured or even killed in the line of duty. In 2020, 300 officers were shot and 47 were killed in the line of duty. Over 300 officers also lost their lives due to COVID-19. In 2021 so far, 14 officers have been killed in the line of duty, including Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick.
Senator Portman (R-OH) co-sponsored this legislation and said, “Attacks on law enforcement officers are an attack of the rule of law and the safety and security of the American people. I am pleased to support this bill to enhance penalties for crimes against those who put their lives on the line every day for the safety of communities across the country. We must hold those who target and assault law enforcement officers accountable for their actions and I hope this bill serves as a deterrent against future attacks.”
Protect and Serve Act offenders would be subject to imprisonment for up to 10 years. An offender could receive a life sentence if a death results from the offense, or if the offense includes kidnapping, attempted kidnapping, or attempted murder.
National Sheriff’s Association Executive Director and CEO Jonathan Thompson said, "Each day the men and women of law enforcement put their lives on the line for their community, and anyone who seeks out and takes the life of somebody who is sworn to protect them, should be severely and appropriately punished. No one should be exempt from the most severe of punishment for attacking without provocation, and seeking to mame [sic] and kill a law enforcement officer.”
The Protect and Serve Act has been endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police, National Association of Police Organizations, Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, Sergeants Benevolent Association, and Major County Sheriffs of America.