Representative Angie Craig Cosponsors Bipartisan Legislation to Enhance Federal Penalties for Violence Against Law Enforcement Officers

WASHINGTON, DC – This week,U.S. Representative Angie Craig cosponsored the Protect and Serve Act, bipartisan, bicameral legislation which would enhance federal penalties for individuals who deliberately target law enforcement officers with violence. The Protect and Serve Act was introduced by Representatives John Rutherford (R-FL) and Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) last year.

"Over the past year, we've witnessed an appalling rise in attacks against the law enforcement officers who protect and serve our communities," said Representative Craig. "This bill would take decisive action to combat these acts of violence by ensuring that anyone who chooses to target law enforcement officers will be held accountable for their actions."

So far in 2022, 41 law enforcement officers have been fatally wounded in the line of duty.

The Protect and Serve Act will:

• Create enhanced federal penalties for anyone who targets law enforcement officers and purposefully harms them during a federal crime. This applies to attacks on federal officers, or attacks on state or local officers if the attacker or officer crosses state lines, uses a channel of interstate commerce, uses a firearm or weapon that traveled in interstate commerce or if the act affects interstate or foreign commerce.
• Create 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.

The Protect and Serve Act is supported by the Minnesota Peace and Police Officer Association, National Fraternal Order of Police, National Association of Police Organizations, Sergeants Benevolent Association, Major County Sheriffs of America, National Sheriffs Association and Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association.

In Congress, Representative Craig has made it a priority to ensure that local police departments have the funding they need to do their jobs safely and effectively. Earlier this week, the bipartisan Public Safety Officer Support Act, legislation that Representative Craig helped introduce and pass after hearing the story of South St. Paul Police Sergeant Cory Slifko, was signed into law. Additionally, she has worked hand-in-hand with local law enforcement leaders to draft and submit applications for federal grant dollars to support hiring, equipment and technology programs – including police departments in South St. Paul, West St. Paul, Burnsville and Inver Grove Heights.

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