Republican Senators Reintroduce Thin Blue Line Act to Enhance Penalties for Targeting Law Enforcement

Wisconsin Senator Ron Johnson and Indiana Senator Mike Braun, along with 10 of their Republican colleagues, have reintroduced the Thin Blue Line Act, a bill aimed at increasing penalties for those who target law enforcement. The legislation would make the targeting, killing, or attempted killing of a police officer an aggravating factor in favor of maximum sentences. This move comes as crime rates have reached record highs across the country, and the number of officers killed in the line of duty has increased.

Key Takeaways:

• The Thin Blue Line Act reintroduces a bill that enhances penalties for those who target law enforcement, including police officers, prosecutors, and first responders.
• The bill would make the targeting, killing, or attempted killing of a law enforcement officer an aggravating factor in favor of maximum sentences.
• The legislation would provide the same level of justice to local law enforcement officers as federal law enforcement officers currently receive under current law.
• The bill targets individuals who target law enforcement solely because of their profession.
• Sens. Johnson and Braun are joined on the legislation by Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), John Kennedy (R-La.), John Hoeven (R-S.D.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), and Ted Budd (R-N.C.).

Statistics:

• Record highs of crime have been reported across the country.
• The number of officers killed in the line of duty has increased.
• 11 Republican senators are co-sponsoring the Thin Blue Line Act.

Sources:

• U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.)
• U.S. Sen. Mike Braun (R-Ind.)
• Statement from Senator Johnson's office
• Statement from Senator Braun's office