U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R) and 35 Senate Republican colleagues have introduced the Back the Blue Act, legislation designed to increase penalties for crimes targeting law enforcement officers and to expand tools for officers' protection.
"Our law enforcement officers bravely risk their lives daily to protect our communities, and anyone who targets them should be met with the full force of the law, including the death penalty," said Cornyn.
The bill would establish new federal crimes for killing, attempting to kill, or conspiring to kill federal judges, federally funded law enforcement officers, and public safety officers. If a death were to result, offenders could face the death penalty or a mandatory minimum of 30 years, while non-fatal attacks carry a minimum of 10 years.
It also introduces enhanced penalties for assaulting federally funded officers, with escalating consequences depending on weapon use and how severe the injury is.
Another provision establishes penalties for interstate flight to avoid prosecution for an attack on law enforcement, setting a mandatory minimum of 10 years. The bill clarifies that the killing or attempted killing of an officer qualifies as a statutory aggravating factor under the federal death penalty framework.
The Back the Blue Act additionally restricts federal habeas relief for individuals convicted of murdering public-safety officers by imposing tighter timelines and limiting appeals. The bill narrows the types of civil damages criminals can claim for injuries sustained during violent felonies and expands law enforcement officers' ability to carry firearms into certain federal facilities.
The legislation is endorsed by major police organizations such as the Fraternal Order of Police, National Association of Police Organizations, and the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association.
The Introduction of this legislation showcases an increased need from lawmakers to increase protections for law enforcement and also renews a debate over criminal justice and civil liberties.
