Rutherford, Gottheimer Reintroduce the Bipartisan Protect and Serve Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Tuesday, U.S. Congressmen John H. Rutherford (R-FL-05) and Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-05) reintroduced H.R. 1551, the Protect and Serve Act, to create federal penalties for individuals who deliberately target law enforcement officers in the line of duty.

“As a former sheriff and lifelong member of law enforcement, I have witnessed firsthand the dangers our officers face every day,” said Rutherford. “As anti-police rhetoric and support for defunding our police departments continue to grow, our officers become increasingly more vulnerable to attacks. To combat this violence, I introduced the bipartisan Protect and Serve Act to ensure those who violently target our law enforcement officers are brought to justice. I remain committed to restoring law and order in our communities and am proud to once again spearhead this bipartisan solution with my fellow Co-Chair of the House Law Enforcement Caucus, Congressman Gottheimer. It’s important we protect those who put their lives on the line to protect us.”

“Our law enforcement officers, who are the best in the world, put their lives on the line for us every day. An attack on their safety is an attack on every member of our community. That’s why I am proud to help introduce the bipartisan Protect and Serve Act, which creates federal penalties for violent criminals who attack our police officers,” said  Gottheimer. “I will always get the backs of our brave officers who work around the clock to keep our streets, homes, and families safe.” 

As violent crime across the nation rises, growing reports of targeted attacks against law enforcement officers are especially disturbing. According to the FOP’s January 2025 report, 342 officers were shot and 50 officers were killed in the line of duty in 2024. Additionally, 61 ambush-style attacks on law enforcement resulted in 79 officers being shot and 18 being killed.

Background on H.R. 1551:

• Creates federal penalties for anyone who targets law enforcement officers and willfully harms them in the execution of a crime.
• Creates a penalty of up to 10 years imprisonment for someone who attacks and injures an officer and a penalty of life in prison for someone who kills or kidnaps an officer.
• Passed the House with broad bipartisan support in 2018 by a vote of 382-35.

“The Protect and Serve Act sends a clear bipartisan message to the criminal element who are intent on terrorizing our officers.’” said Rutherford. “If you target law enforcement, we will target you.”