Back the Blue Act Aims to Increase Penalties for Violent Attacks on Public Safety Officers

Strategic Insights -

U.S. Rep. Jared Golden introduced a bill, the Back the Blue Act, which proposes increasing penalties for killing or attempting to kill police officers, firefighters, federal law enforcement officers, federal judges, and other public safety officers. The legislation aims to better protect law enforcement and improve relationships between law enforcement agencies and their communities. Golden and Rep. Don Bacon co-sponsored the bill, emphasizing the need for a "tough, smart bill" that ensures those who attack or kill officers pay a steep price.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Back the Blue Act proposes a mandatory minimum sentence of 30 years for anyone who kills a federal law enforcement officer, U.S. judge, or federally funded public safety officer.
  • The offender would also be subject to the death penalty.
  • Attempting or conspiring to kill such an officer would carry a minimum sentence of 10 years, as would attempting to flee to avoid prosecution for killing or attempting to kill an officer.
  • The legislation also proposes up to $20 million in grants to state, local, and tribal agencies to improve relationships between law enforcement agencies and their communities.
  • Rep. Jared Golden described the bill as taking a "strategic two-pronged approach" to protect public safety officers and improve community relationships.
  • Rep. Don Bacon emphasized the need for the legislation, stating that "those who protect our communities... deserve extra protection from violence directed at them."

Statistics:

  • The proposed mandatory minimum sentence for killing a federal law enforcement officer, U.S. judge, or federally funded public safety officer is 30 years.
  • The death penalty would be a possible sentence for such offenses.
  • The proposed minimum sentence for attempting or conspiring to kill a public safety officer is 10 years.
  • Up to $20 million in grants would be allocated to improve relationships between law enforcement and their communities.
  • Rep. Jared Golden has called for a "two-pronged approach" to protect public safety officers.

Sources:

  • "U.S. Rep. Jared Golden introduces bill to boost penalties for attacks on law enforcement," by Drew Johnson, July 10, 2025, the Portland Press Herald (Portland, Maine).