Republican Senators introduced legislation in defense of police officers on Thursday, implementing stricter federal penalties for individuals found to be purposefully targeting law enforcement officers with violence, on the local, state and federal level.
Spearheaded by Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC), the Protect and Serve Act classifies deliberate harm of police officers as a federal crime, punishable by up to 10 years in prison. If the perpetrator murders a law enforcement officer, the legislation allows for a life sentence to be given to the offender.
I introduced the Protect and Serve Act, legislation that creates federal penalties for individuals who target law enforcement with violence. It's time to pass this legislation and send a clear message that acts of violence like this are unacceptable.https://t.co/G0WA3Zla6U
— Senator Thom Tillis (@SenThomTillis) September 17, 2020
“Whoever, in any circumstance described in subsection, knowingly assaults a law enforcement officer causing serious bodily injury, or attempts to do so— (1) shall be imprisoned not more than 10 years, fined in accordance with this title, or both; and (2) shall be imprisoned for any term of years 10 or for life, fined in accordance with this title, or both, if— (A) death results from the offense; or (B) the offense includes kidnapping or an attempt to kidnap, or an attempt to kill,” the bill reads.
Joining Sen. Tillis in defense of law enforcement are GOP Sens. Richard Burr (NC), Marsha Blackburn (TN), Lindsey Graham (SC), John Kennedy (LA), Kelly Loeffler (GA), David Perdue (GA), Mike Rounds (SD), Shelley Moore Capito (WV), Tom Cotton (AR), John Boozman (AR), Rick Scott (FL), Mike Braun (IN), Rob Portman (OH), James Inhofe (OK) and Roger Wicker (MI).