Thin Blue Line Act Targeting Cop Killers Gains Support

To help protect the men and women who risk their lives for the safety of others, U.S. Senators Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) and Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) introduced the Thin Blue Line Act, a bill that would impose harsher penalties on individuals targeting law enforcement officers and first responders.

Meanwhile, in the House, U.S. Rep. David Jolly, R-Fla., introduced similar legislation that would make murdering a police officer, firefighter or first responder killed in federal jurisdiction an aggravating factor in federal death penalty decisions.

Together, these Congressmen are sending a message to individuals targeting police officers, prosecutors, and firefighters.

"It is important we send the message that police lives also matter, and that if you target a police officer with violence, you will receive a harsh penalty," said Sen. Toomey. "Every day, our law enforcement officers and first responders place themselves in harm's way to protect the rest of us. 

Toomey also reiterated the need for government to give law enforcement the tools and support they need to protect the country from an ongoing "crime wave." Instead of maligning the 780,000 officers nationwide, he said the government should be taking steps to support them.

 “The Thin Blue Line Act will help protect our officers by bringing harsher penalties to criminals committing these vile acts and by extending the protections afforded to federal officers to our local police and first responders,” said Sen. Sessions.  “This legislation honors the message sent by law-abiding Americans that we cannot stand idly by as attacks are waged upon those who serve and protect our communities.”

The following organizations have endorsed this legislation:

• Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.)
• Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA)
• Fraternal Order of Police
• International Union of Police Associations, AFL-CIO
• Major County Sheriffs' Association 
• National Association of Police Organizations
• National District Attorneys Association 
• National Sheriffs' Association
• National Troopers Coalition
• Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association