First responder attacks would be federal crime under bipartisan bill
A new bipartisan bill called the Graham Hoffman act, introduced by Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO), aims to make attacks on frist responders a federal crime with harsher prosecutions and penalties. the legislation is named after Graham Hoffman, a Kansas City paramedic-firefighter who was fatally stabbed by a known criminal recently released on bond. This act seeks to provide stronger legal protection for first responders, especially those assaulted while performing their duties or while being assisted.It also addresses attacks involving interstate activity or federal first responders. The bill has bipartisan support,increasing its chances for passage. Penalties range from up to 10 years in prison for lesser offenses to life imprisonment for attacks resulting in death or involving kidnapping or attempted killing. The act follows several recent deadly assaults on first responders, including an ambush in Idaho where two firefighters were killed.
Attacks on first responders would be federal crime under bipartisan bill
EXCLUSIVE — New bipartisan legislation set to be filed Tuesday by Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-MO) and first previewed by the Washington Examiner would elevate certain attacks on first responders to a federal crime, likely accompanied by harsher prosecution and stiffer penalties.
The Graham Hoffman Act comes in the wake of several first responders being killed in the line of duty this year. It is named after the Kansas City paramedic-firefighter whom a patient fatally stabbed in April.
“This legislation, in honor of Graham, ensures that anyone who assaults or kills a first responder faces the full force of federal law,” Schmitt said in a statement.
Hoffman, 29, was allegedly stabbed by 38-year-old Shanetta Bossell in the heart as she was being transported via ambulance. She was arrested days prior for biting a police officer and was released on bond.
“Graham Hoffman was a courageous firefighter-paramedic whose life was tragically cut short at the hands of a known criminal who had been released from custody shortly before the attack,” Schmitt said. “This tragic loss underscores the urgent need to protect our first responders, who put their lives on the line to serve our communities.”
The measure is cosponsored by several Republicans and one Democrat, raising its chances of receiving floor time or being included in other broader legislation. It’s backed by Sens. Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Jim Risch (R-ID), Josh Hawley (R-MO), Ashley Moody (R-FL), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), and Ted Cruz (R-TX).
Attackers would be subject to federal crimes if they assault a first responder engaged in their duties or “any individual assisting such a first responder,” and if the alleged attacker traveled across state lines, used a weapon that traveled in interstate or foreign commerce, affected interstate or foreign commerce, or if the victim is a federal first responder.
Two Idaho firefighters were killed and a third was seriously injured during an ambush by a lone gunman on fire crews last month while responding to a brush fire. Frank Harwood, 42, and John Morrison, 52, were killed. Dave Tysdal, 47, was seriously injured but survived.
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The alleged shooter, 20-year-old Wess Roley, was found dead at the scene from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound and started the fire to lure first responders, according to authorities.
Attacks that result in death or offenses that include kidnapping, attempt to kidnap, or an attempt to kill would be subject to life in prison. Lesser offenses would be subject to up to 10 years of imprisonment.
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