ICYMI: Department of Justice Endorses Buchanan’s Thin Blue Line Act

"Our Message Is Clear: We Stand with Our Law Enforcement and They Have Our Full Support."

Trump Administration Backs Legislation to Strengthen Penalties Against Cop Killers

WASHINGTON - Today, Congressman Vern Buchanan announced that the Trump Administration and the U.S. Department of Justice have formally endorsed his Thin Blue Line Act, legislation to strengthen federal penalties for criminals who murder or target law enforcement officers and first responders.

"Law enforcement officers and first responders put their lives on the line every day to protect the American people, and far too many are facing dangerous and targeted attacks simply for enforcing the rule of law," said Buchanan. "I'm grateful to the Trump Administration and the Department of Justice for their strong support of my Thin Blue Line Act, which ensures those who target the brave men and women who serve our communities will face the full force of the law. Our message is clear: we stand with our law enforcement and they have our full support."

(Senator Ted Cruz)

"Combatting violent crime remains a priority of this Administration and holding violent criminals who attack and murder law enforcement accountable is paramount to those effort," wrote Assistant Attorney General Patrick Davis.

The letter was first reported by LiveNOW from Fox watch the exclusive here.

The Thin Blue Line Act would make the murder or attempted murder of a police officer or other first responder an "aggravating" factor in federal death penalty determinations.

Buchanan's legislation is supported by leading local and national law enforcement organizations, including the National Fraternal Order of Police, National Sheriffs' Association, Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, National Association of Police Organizations, United States Deputy Sheriffs' Association and Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells.

Buchanan is a longtime advocate for the law enforcement community and was joined last year by Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells in a joint op-ed urging swift passage of the Thin Blue Line Act in Congress.

Read the Department of Justice letter supporting the Thin Blue Line Act here or below.

Dear Representative Buchanan:

This letter presents the views of the Department of Justice on S. 83, the "Thin Blue Line Act," as introduced in the Senate on January 14, 2025. The Department strongly supports this bill.

Combatting violent crime remains a priority of this Administration and holding violent criminals who attack and murder law enforcement accountable is paramount to those efforts. The Thin Blue Line Act would expand the list of statutory aggravating factors in death penalty cases to include killing, or targeting, a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or other first responder, either while engaged in official duties or because of his or her official duties, consistent with the priorities of this Administration.

We look forward to working with you in support of this important piece of legislation.

Sincerely,

Patrick Davis

Assistant Attorney General

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