Representative Vern Buchanan (R-FL) and Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) have jointly introduced a bill strengthening the penalty for killing police officers and first responders.
Named the Thin Blue Line Act, the bill specifically would make the murder or attempted murder of a police officer or other first responders an "aggravating" factor in death penalty determinations.
Additionally, the Thin Blue Line Act would apply when the officer or responder is killed on duty, because of what they did on duty, or because they are a public official, applying to the state, local, and federal levels.
Moreover, the only requirement is that the homicide involves federal jurisdiction, such as the interstate homicide of an officer or if an officer is killed on federal land or while serving as part of a joint task force.
According to the National Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), there were 342 officers shot in the line of duty, 50 of whom were killed. 79 of those 342 were attacked in 61 ambushes, which resulted in 18 deaths.
In his press release, Rep. Buchanan said, "Police officers and first responders risk their lives every day to keep our communities safe."
The Florida Congressman derided the Biden-Harris Administration as having "prioritized protecting criminals and illegals over our brave men and women of law enforcement." Thus, the Thin Blue Line Act is meant "to show that we have their backs."
Consequently, Rep. Buchanan called for House support, as the bill passed the House with bipartisan support in 2017.
"I encourage my colleagues to support this legislation, which previously passed the House with broad bipartisan support, and make it clear to would-be cop killers that if you target an officer, there will be severe consequences," Buchanan concluded.
Similarly, Sen. Cruz said, "Violent crimes targeting law enforcement demand immediate action. These crimes should never be tolerated. Every day, members of law enforcement risk their lives to protect our communities, and they deserve the full protection of the law. I am proud to introduce this common-sense legislation to ensure that acts of murder or attempted murder against law enforcement will be met with maximum penalties."
