Legislators call members of law enforcement American heroes.
Senators Tom Cotton of Arkansas and Representative Mike Garcia of California have introduced the defending our Defenders Act, legislation that would permit the imposition of the death penalty when a law enforcement officer is murdered. The bill would make the killing of a state or local law enforcement officer a federal crime, punishable with either life in prison or the death penalty.
Senator Cotton said, “Law enforcement officers dedicate their lives to defending the rule of law and protecting their fellow citizens. An attack on an officer is an attack on our democracy, and those criminals must be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. This bill will subject those who murder police to a punishment they deserve, life in prison or the death penalty.”
Representative Garcia, who introduced the legislation in the House of Representatives, said, “The Defund the Police movement and soft-on-crime policies from the far-left have severely handicapped police officers’ ability to confront skyrocketing crime rates and have put these brave men and women in more danger than ever. We must do more to take care of our heroic law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe.”
He added, “That’s why I’m proud to join Senator Tom Cotton in introducing this important bill. I named this legislation in honor of a hero of the Antelope Valley, Sergeant Steve Owen, who was brutally murdered in 2016 while on duty. It is critical that we pass this legislation to ensure our law enforcement officers have the protection necessary to do their jobs effectively. The men and women who protect us every day deserve to know that we have their back.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Senator Cotton as he endeavors to increase the penalty for murdering police officers.
- For Representative Garcia as he honors the fallen in co-sponsoring the legislation.
- For members of Congress to wisely consider the legislation in light of recent cultural shifts.
Sources: Newsmax, U.S. Senate
