Lafayette Reporter

Senators John Kennedy and Ted Cruz have introduced the Thin Blue Line Act, a legislative proposal aimed at ensuring that crimes targeting law enforcement officers and first responders are met with severe penalties. The act proposes to make the targeting, killing, or attempted killing of these individuals an aggravating factor in federal capital punishment cases.

"Louisiana’s law enforcement officers and first responders put their lives at risk daily to keep our communities safe. They deserve respect. The Thin Blue Line Act would make sure criminals who target them face punishment that matches their crimes," said Kennedy.

Cruz emphasized the urgency of addressing violent crimes against law enforcement: "Violent crimes targeting law enforcement demand immediate action. 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."

Under current federal law, if a murder victim is a federal law enforcement officer or prosecutor, this fact is considered an aggravating factor supporting the imposition of the death penalty. The proposed act seeks to extend similar considerations to all categories of law enforcement officers, firefighters, and first responders.

The complete text of the bill is available for review.