A bill that would toughen penalties against cop killers and first responders has passed the U.S. House.
- Thin Blue Line Act to toughen penalties against cop killers
- Crime an "aggravating" factor when considering death penalty
- Line-of-duty deaths increased 39% this year
The Thin Blue Line Act would make the murder or attempted murder of a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or other first responder an “aggravating” factor when prosecutors consider the death penalty.
Law enforcement officers and emergency crews are the first to the scene and are often in harm’s way.
Florida Congressman Vern Buchanan said, “Getting this bill signed into law will protect those who serve our communities and send a clear message: Targeting or killing our first responders will not be tolerated.”
There have been 50 line-of-duty deaths so far this year, a 39 percent spike from this time in 2016, according to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.
That increase comes on top of last year’s jump in ambush-style killings of law enforcement officers, which spiked 167 percent compared to 2015, according to the National Association of Police Organizations.
“America’s police officers and first responders rush to the scene to help people,” Buchanan said. “These brave men and women and their families put it all on the line and deserve our unwavering support.”
The bill will now go to the Senate for consideration.