Rutherford, Bipartisan Colleagues Reintroduce Legislation to Create Federal Penalties for Targeted Attacks Against Law Enforcement Officers

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman John Rutherford (FL-05) was joined by Representatives Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Elise Stefanik (NY-21), Jared Golden (ME-02), Pete Stauber (MN-08), and Dutch Ruppersburger (MD-02) to reintroduce H.R. 743, the Protect and Serve Act of 2023. This bipartisan legislation would create federal penalties for individuals who deliberately target law enforcement officers in the line of duty. 

“Throughout my 40 plus years in law enforcement, including 12 as sheriff, I witnessed firsthand the dangers our officers face every day. As anti-police rhetoric and support for defunding our police departments continue to grow, our officers have become increasingly vulnerable to attack,” said Rep. Rutherford. “To combat this violence, I introduced the bipartisan Protect and Serve Act, which will ensure those who violently target law enforcement officers are brought to justice. I am committed to restoring law and order in our communities, and am proud to once again spearhead a bipartisan solution to this issue in Congress.”

“Each and every day, our law enforcement officers put on a bulletproof vest, kiss their spouses and children goodbye, and then put their lives on the line all day to look out for us,” said Rep. Gottheimer. “For that reason and so much more, I’m proud to support this bipartisan legislation – to get the backs of those who get ours and impose federal penalties on individuals who deliberately target law enforcement officers with violence.”

“Our law enforcement put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe,” said Rep. Stefanik. “In the face of shameful anti-police rhetoric and dangerous soft on crime policies that have caused assaults against our officers to skyrocket, I am proud to stand up for our men and women in blue to ensure swift and proper penalties for those who egregiously attack our police.”

“Law enforcement officers put themselves in harm’s way to serve our communities every day,” said Rep. Golden. “We must protect those who work to protect us and ensure that there are serious consequences for anyone who would choose to do them harm. I’m proud to support this bipartisan legislation.”

“As a police officer for 23 years, I understand the dangers our law enforcement officers face every day,” said Rep. Stauber. “Given the rising crime and violence against law enforcement due to the defund and disparage the police movement, it is more important now than ever that we support the brave men and women in blue who are serving our communities. I am proud to join Rep. Rutherford in reintroducing the Protect and Serve Act to ensure that criminals who attack law enforcement officers are swiftly brought to justice.”

The Protect and Serve Act has received endorsements from the National Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA), National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO), Peace Officer Research Association of California (PORAC), Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA), Major Cities Chiefs Association (MCCA), and the Sergeants Benevolent Association (SBA).

“In response to the surge of violence directed at law enforcement officers in the form of calculated and ambush-style attacks, Representative Rutherford, a former sheriff and career law enforcement officer, and a bipartisan group of Representatives introduced the ‘Protect and Serve Act’ legislation, which would impose Federal penalties on individuals who deliberately target law enforcement officers with violence,” said Patrick Yoes, National President of FOP. “The bill recognizes and addresses the national problem of ambushes and unprovoked attacks against our nation’s law enforcement officers. No officer should be at risk of being targeted while simply sitting in their patrol car, standing post, or heading home at the end of a shift. When a member of the public calls for help, we answer that call. We are asking for help now and urge all Members of the House to support this legislation.”

As violent crime across the nation continues to rise, growing reports of targeted attacks against law enforcement officers are especially disturbing. According to the FOP’s December 2022 report, 331 officers were shot in the line of duty last year and 89 ambush-style attacks were carried out on officers as of November.

Background on H.R. 743:

• Creates federal penalties for anyone who targets law enforcement officers and purposefully 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.

###