Tillis cosponsors bill to protect local law enforcement officers, first responders

U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) thinks that anyone who murders or targets a local public safety officer should be prepared to face the death penalty.

Sen. Tillis on May 16 introduced the Thin Blue Line Act, S. 1508, with bill sponsor U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey (R-PA) and 16 other cosponsors to protect local law enforcement officers, as well as first responders and prosecutors.

“Law enforcement officers go to work every day not knowing whether they’ll return home safely to their families,” Sen. Tillis said on Thursday. “The men and women in blue risk their lives to protect ours and the Thin Blue Line Act will enact new laws that will make criminals think twice before targeting them.”

If enacted, S. 1508 would provide the same level of justice to local law enforcement officers, prosecutors and first responders as current law does for a murder victim who is a federal law enforcement officer or federal prosecutor, Sen. Tillis’ office said.

Among those joining Sen. Tillis as a cosponsor of the bill are U.S. Sens. John Hoeven (R-ND), Martha McSally (R-AZ), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Rob Portman (R-OH), Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Mike Rounds (R-SD).

The bill has been endorsed by numerous groups, including the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, the Fraternal Order of Police, the International Union of Police Associations AFL-CIO, the Major County Sheriffs of America, the National Association of Police Organizations, and the National District Attorneys Association, among others.

The measure is under consideration by the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee.