North Charlotte Today

Senator Thom Tillis has reintroduced two legislative measures aimed at bolstering protections for law enforcement officers. The Protect and Serve Act and the Justice for Fallen Law Enforcement Act are designed to impose stringent federal penalties on individuals who target police officers.

"Law enforcement officers in North Carolina and across the country are heroes who risk their lives every day to protect our communities," stated 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 these bills that create 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."

Bill Johnson, Executive Director of the National Association of Police Organizations, emphasized the urgency of passing these acts following a recent incident in San Antonio, Texas, where seven officers were shot. "The shooting of those seven brave officers is just adding to the ever-increasing number of officers being shot in the line of duty," he said. Johnson urged Congress to pass both acts as a demonstration that such crimes against law enforcement will not be tolerated.

Patrick Yoes, President of the National Fraternal Order of Police, echoed this sentiment: "We believe the Senate needs to act now and pass the Protect and Serve Act. This would be a strong show of support for the men and women in the line of fire and send a clear message to those who would seek to do them harm."

The Protect and Serve Act proposes making it a federal crime to intentionally cause or attempt bodily harm to an officer, with potential imprisonment up to 10 years or life if severe circumstances like death or kidnapping occur.

Meanwhile, the Justice for Fallen Law Enforcement Act seeks life imprisonment or death penalty provisions for murdering an officer. It also suggests 20-year sentences for assaults causing serious injury. Additionally, it mandates a study after three years reporting prosecution outcomes related to this legislation.

The National Fraternal Order of Police reports that by December 31, 2024, there were 342 instances where officers were shot while on duty; among these incidents were 50 fatalities.

Both legislative measures have received endorsements from The National Fraternal Order of Police and The National Association of Police Organizations.