WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Eric Schmitt (R-MO) recently introduced the Graham Hoffman Act, which will make it a federal crime to assault first responders. This legislation is named in honor of Graham Hoffman, a paramedic from Kansas City who was attacked and killed in the line of duty in April. Intended to fill gaps in state laws, the Graham Hoffman Act will allow the federal government to pursue charges against criminals who assault first responders in certain circumstances where the federal government can exercise jurisdiction.
“First responders put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe, and they deserve our protection when they answer the call to help others,” said Senator Hassan. “This bill honors the memory of fallen heroes by holding criminals that attack those who serve and protect our communities fully accountable for their crimes and sending a clear message that targeting and attacking first responders will not be tolerated.”
“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. This tragic loss underscores the urgent need to protect our first responders, who put their lives on the line to serve our communities. This legislation, in honor of Graham, ensures that anyone who assaults or kills a first responder faces the full force of federal law,” said Senator Schmitt.
Click here to read the full text of the bill.
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