WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Mike Braun (R-IN) reintroduced the Thin Blue Line Act, a bill to increase penalties for criminals who target law enforcement. The legislation makes the targeting, killing or attempted killing of local police, prosecutors and first responders an aggravating factor in favor of maximum sentences, as is already the case with respect to federal law enforcement.

“Each day, law enforcement officers across our country risk their lives to protect and serve our communities,” Boozman said. “Unfortunately, more criminals are targeting them with violence because of their commitment to enforce the law and maintain order. I’m proud to join my colleagues to make it clear we will always stand up for the men and women behind the badge and will not tolerate attempts to attack or intimidate them.”

“There is a war on our cops, and it’s time we raise the price of targeting them. The Thin Blue Line Act will make targeting or killing a police officer in a violent crime an aggravating factor in favor the harshest penalties we have,” said Braun. “President Biden said in his State of the Union speech last week that police officers put their lives on the line every day, and that we ask them to do too much. I agree, and as cities continue to encourage crime by going easy on violent criminals, I’m calling on President Biden to announce his support for this legislation to increase the penalties for those who try to kill cops.”

In January 2023, thirty-four police officers were shot in the U.S. The number of officers shot in line of duty has more than doubled since 2020, according to reports. 

Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX), Ron Johnson (R-WI), Marco Rubio (R-FL), James Lankford (R-OK), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), John Kennedy (R-LA), John Hoeven (R-ND) and Ted Budd (R-NC) joined Boozman and Braun as cosponsors of the legislation.

The Thin Blue Line Act has the support of national police organizations including the National Fraternal Order of Police, National Troopers Coalition, National Association of Police Organizations and National Council of Prison Locals.