05.02.24

Hoeven, Tillis Introduce Bipartisan Protect and Serve Act

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven this week helped introduce the Protect and Serve Act, bipartisan legislation that would make knowingly causing or attempting to cause bodily injury to a law enforcement officer a federal crime. The legislation, led by Senator Thom Tillis, is also cosponsored by Senators Tom Cotton, Joe Manchin, Kevin Cramer and Steve Daines.

“Each and every day, our law enforcement officers put their lives on the line as they work to protect our communities and keep us safe,” said Senator Hoeven. “This legislation will ensure that those who target these public servants with violence face the appropriate federal penalties, and will hopefully serve as a deterrent to help keep our officers safe.”

“Law enforcement officers in North Carolina and across the country are heroes who risk their lives every day to protect our communities,” said Senator Tillis. “Those who commit senseless acts of violence against law enforcement officers must be held accountable for their actions, which is why I am proud to reintroduce this legislation that creates federal penalties for criminals who target law enforcement. They put their lives on the line to protect us, and we should do the work in Congress to protect them.”

The Protect and Serve Act provides federal prosecutors with tools to hold accountable individuals who target law enforcement for assault or attacks, including:

  • Making it a federal crime to knowingly cause, or attempt to cause, bodily injury to a law enforcement officer. Offenders are subject to imprisonment for up to 10 years.
  • An offender could receive a life sentence if a death results from the offense, or the offense includes kidnapping, attempted kidnapping or attempted murder.

The law would apply to federal law enforcement officers, as well as state and local officers in circumstances where the federal government can establish jurisdiction over the case.

            The legislation is endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police, Sergeants Benevolent Association, Major County Sheriffs of America and the National Association of Police Organizations.

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