Senator John Kennedy (R-La.) and Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas), along with 34 other senators, have reintroduced the Back the Blue Act. The legislation is intended to increase penalties for those who target law enforcement officers and provide officers with additional tools for self-defense.
Kennedy stated, “Every day, our nation’s law enforcement heroes put on a badge not knowing when the next call will be, putting their lives on the line to keep our families and communities safe. Anyone who tries to ambush or attack a police officer is attacking the safety and freedom of every American. The Back the Blue Act demands real accountability and equips our officers with stronger tools to protect and serve our communities.”
Cornyn added, “Our law enforcement officers bravely risk their lives daily to protect our communities, and anyone who targets them should be met with the full force of the law, including the death penalty. America was built on the principles of law and order, and this legislation sends a clear message that targeted attacks on law enforcement will not be tolerated, dangerous criminals will be held accountable, and our men and women in blue have our full and unwavering support.”
The proposed bill introduces new federal crimes related to violence against federal judges, federal law enforcement officers, or federally funded public safety officers. These include making it a federal crime to kill or attempt to kill these officials—offenses punishable by either the death penalty or long mandatory prison sentences depending on outcomes. It also increases mandatory minimums for assaulting federally funded law enforcement personnel based on injury severity or weapon involvement; these charges require certification from the Attorney General.
The legislation addresses situations where suspects cross state lines to evade prosecution after targeting protected officials by setting a 10-year minimum sentence for such actions. Other provisions make killing or attempting to kill an officer an explicit aggravating factor in federal death penalty cases. The bill aims to limit prolonged appeals by narrowing habeas relief options for those convicted of killing public safety officers. It also restricts civil damages claims by individuals injured while committing felonies or violent acts.
Additionally, qualified personnel would be allowed under this act to carry firearms into certain federal facilities where they are otherwise prohibited.
A group of senators from various states co-sponsored the bill alongside Kennedy and Cornyn. Kennedy had previously joined Cornyn in introducing similar legislation in May 2023.
The full text of the bill is available online.
