Submitted by United States Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana
WASHINGTON (January 15, 2025) – Senator John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, joined Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and colleagues in introducing the Thin Blue Line Act to make the targeting, killing or attempted killing of a law enforcement officer, firefighter or other first responder an aggravating factor when determining whether capital punishment is appropriate.
“Louisiana’s law enforcement officers and first responders put their lives at risk daily to keep our communities safe. They deserve respect. The Thin Blue Line Act would make sure criminals who target them face punishment that matches their crimes,” said Kennedy.
“Violent crimes targeting law enforcement demand immediate action. These crimes should never be tolerated. Every day, members of law enforcement risk their lives to protect our communities and they deserve the full protection of the law. I am proud to introduce this common-sense legislation to ensure that acts of murder or attempted murder against law enforcement will be met with maximum penalties,” said Cruz.
When a jury in a federal case considers whether to impose capital punishment, the jury must consider certain “aggravating” factors.
Current law states that, if the murder victim is a federal law enforcement officer or federal prosecutor, that fact stands as an aggravating factor that supports maximum penalty.
The Thin Blue Line Act would extend the same level of justice to all law enforcement officers, firefighters and first responders.
The full bill text is available here.
