“We Must Send a Clear Message: If You Target Our Heroes, You Will Face Justice”
Renews Call for Thin Blue Line Act Passage
WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman Vern Buchanan, co-chair of the bipartisan Florida congressional delegation, issued the following statement in response to an incident involving the firing of shots at officers near the University of Florida campus in Gainesville, as countless law enforcement officers across the country face a troubling surge in violent attacks:
“Today’s shooting near the University of Florida is yet another reminder of the dangers our law enforcement officers face simply for doing their jobs.
“Our nation is witnessing a deeply troubling wave of violence against the brave men and women who protect and serve our communities. Sandy and I are praying for the safety of those involved in Gainesville and are grateful for the quick, courageous response of the first responders on the scene.
“Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident. Just last night, an NYPD officer was killed in the line of duty. In recent days, an ICE agent was violently dragged by an illegal immigrant evading arrest and three officers were ambushed in Ohio simply for wearing the badge. These are just a few of the many disturbing attacks targeting those who protect and serve.
“These senseless attacks are a sobering reminder of the immense sacrifices made by our first responders. Congress must pass my Thin Blue Line Act to ensure that anyone who murders or targets a law enforcement officer faces the full force of the law. We must send a clear message: if you target our heroes, you will face justice.”
The Thin Blue Line Act would make the murder or attempted murder of a police officer or other first responder an “aggravating” factor in federal death penalty determinations.
Buchanan is a longtime advocate for the law enforcement community and was joined earlier this year by Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells in a joint op-ed urging swift passage of the Thin Blue Line Act in Congress.
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