Anyone convicted of murdering a federal, state, or local law enforcement officer would receive the death penalty or life imprisonment under legislation offered on Feb. 8 by U.S. Sens. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Thom Tillis (R-NC).
“Those who commit senseless acts of violence against law enforcement officers must be held accountable for their actions, which is why I am proud to introduce this legislation that creates harsh federal penalties for criminals who target law enforcement,” Sen. Tillis said. “They put their lives on the line to protect us and we should do the work in Congress to protect them.”
The Justice for Fallen Law Enforcement Act, S. 3767, which Sen. Tillis sponsored alongside lead original cosponsor Sen. Blackburn, also would create a criminal penalty of 20 years in prison for assault resulting in serious injury to a federal, state, and local law enforcement officer, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers.
“Anyone who willfully injures or takes the life of a law enforcement officer should face severe consequences and the highest criminal penalties,” said Sen. Blackburn.
Additionally, S. 3767 would require a study after 36 months to report to U.S. House and Senate Judiciary Committees about prosecutions as the result of the act, the summary says.
“Our brave men and women in blue put their own safety at risk in service to our communities, and we must do all that we can to ensure their perpetrators are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Sen. Blackburn added. “I will always stand with our law enforcement officers.”