WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman Vern Buchanan and Senator Ted Cruz announced that they introduced legislation to toughen penalties against cop killers. Buchanan’s Thin Blue Line Act, which he originally introduced in 2017 and passed the House with bipartisan support during the 115th Congress, would make the murder or attempted murder of a police officer or other first responders an “aggravating” factor in death penalty determinations.
“Police officers and first responders risk their lives every day to keep our communities safe,” said Buchanan. “After four years of an administration that prioritized protecting criminals and illegals over our brave men and women of law enforcement, it’s time to show that we have their backs. I encourage my colleagues to support this legislation, which previously passed the House with broad bipartisan support, and make it clear to would-be cop killers that if you target an officer, there will be severe consequences.”
“Violent crimes targeting law enforcement demand immediate action,” said Sen. Cruz. “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.”
The Thin Blue Line Act would be applicable whether the law enforcement officer or first responder is murdered on duty, because of the performance of their duty or because of their status as a public official. It covers federal, state and local police officers, firefighters and first responders. The only requirement is that the homicide involve federal jurisdiction, such as the interstate homicide of an officer, or an officer is killed on federal land or while serving as part of a joint task force.
According to the National Fraternal Order of Police, 342 officers were shot in the line of duty in 2024, 50 of whom were killed. This represents an eight percent increase in deaths from 2023. There were 61 ambush-style attacks on law enforcement officers last year, which resulted in 79 officers shot, 18 of whom were killed.
Buchanan’s Thin Blue Line Act has been endorsed by leading law enforcement organizations and officials throughout Florida and the U.S., including the National Fraternal Order of Police, Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells, Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody, the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, the National Association of Police Organizations, the National Sheriffs' Association, the United States Deputy Sheriff’s Association and the NYPD Sergeants Benevolent Association.
“Law enforcement officers have always faced threats while on duty—it is nothing new. Although we go to work each day to protect others, over the last within the past few years, officers have become a target for violence solely because of the uniform they wear. It should not be “part of the job” to be a target for someone who is looking to simply kill or injure a cop. The ‘Thin Blue Line Act’ aims to reduce these attacks by expanding the list of aggravating factors in death penalty determinations for those who target, kill, or attempt to kill a law enforcement or other public safety officers, which sends a clear message to those who target, kill, or attempt to kill a law enforcement or other public safety officer that they will be held accountable and punished to the fullest extent of the law,” said Patrick Yoes, President, National Fraternal Order of Police.
“Given the alarming rise in attacks on police officers, this bill will help crack down and enhance penalties on those who attack or kill law enforcement officers. Thank you to Congressman Vern Buchanan for introducing this vital legislation,” said Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells.
“Our law enforcement officers risk their lives to keep us safe. They pursue armed fugitives and confront dangerous criminals. We need to send a clear message that we have their backs by passing the Thin Blue Line Act. I commend Congressman Buchanan and Senator Cruz for sponsoring this important pro-law enforcement legislation,” said Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody.
“Our federal, state, and local law enforcement officers risk their lives daily to protect the citizens of this great nation. While they work tirelessly to safeguard our communities, their families remain at home, burdened with concern for their loved ones’ safety,” said Mathew Silverman, National President of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association. “In 2024, 144 law enforcement officers tragically lost their lives in the line of duty—heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure the safety of others. The ‘Thin Blue Line Act’ seeks to strengthen penalties for those who target law enforcement officers, underscoring the gravity of crimes against those who serve in these vital roles. This legislation is a powerful statement of national support, honoring their dedication to justice and reinforcing the profound respect owed to their unwavering commitment to public safety.”
In endorsing his legislation, William J. Johnson, Executive Director of the National Association of Police Organizations, called Buchanan’s bill, “critical, as law enforcement officer assaults, particularly ambush assaults, have increased sharply in recent years… NAPO strongly believes that increased penalties make important differences in the attitudes of criminals toward public safety officers, and ensure protection for the community. We thank Congressman Buchanan for his longstanding efforts to safeguard the lives of our nation’s officers and look forward to working with him to pass this important bill.”
“The Thin Blue Line Act is a vital step in ensuring those who target our public safety professionals face the full weight of justice. Law enforcement officers and first responders risk their lives daily to protect our communities, and this legislation sends a clear message that violence against them will not be tolerated. As sheriffs, we are committed to standing up for those who stand in harm’s way to keep us safe,” said Canyon County, Idaho, Sheriff Kieran Donahue, President, National Sheriffs’ Association.
“The United States Deputy Sheriff’s Association is honored to support the Thin Blue Line Act. With the current atmosphere of anti-law enforcement in America this bill is a great step forward in supporting law enforcement and other first responders. These are the men and women who not only put their lives on the line every day but are dedicated to advancing their communities. The Thin Blue Line Act is a great way to support these heroes that go unnoticed every day,” said David Hinners, Executive Director, United States Deputy Sheriff’s Association.
“For too long, members of the NYPD and law enforcement officers across this nation have been subjected to targeted acts of violence as they work to protect life, property, and the freedoms we all hold dear. While we know that these brave men and women will continue to face threats regardless of the uniform they wear, on duty or off, active or retired, the ‘Thin Blue Line Act’ sends the long-overdue message that any action to target law enforcement officers for murder or violence will be met with the harshest of penalties. The SBA is grateful for the continued leadership of Rep. Buchanan and Sen. Cruz on this important legislation,” said Vincent Vallelong, President, NYPD Sergeants Benevolent Association.
Buchanan’s Thin Blue Line Act is cosponsored by Reps. Don Bacon, Mike Bost, Mike Ezell, Brian Fitzpatrick, Monica De La Cruz, Clay Higgins, Erin Houchin, Richard Hudson, Nick LaLota, Anna Paulina Luna, Troy Nehls, David Valadao and Randy Weber. Sen. Cruz’s companion legislation in the U.S. Senate is cosponsored by Sens. Marsha Blackburn, John Boozman, Ted Budd, Bill Hagerty, John Hoeven, Ron Johnson, John Kennedy, James Lankford, Jay Obernolte and Rick Scott.
Buchanan is a strong supporter of the law enforcement community. Last July, Buchanan presented 60 awards to law enforcement officers and departments in Manatee and Hillsborough Counties for exceptional achievement. In 2017, Buchanan’s Thin Blue Line Act passed the U.S. House of Representatives by a bipartisan vote of 271 to 143, with 48 Democrats voting in favor of the bill.
Read the exclusive on the Thin Blue Line Act in the Daily Caller here.
