VIDEO RELEASE: U.S. Senator Moody Fights to Protect Law Enforcement and First Responders, Urges Passage of Graham Hoffman Act with Orange County Sheriff Mina and Orlando Fire[...]

<_o3a_p>

Click image above to view Senator Moody's remarks<_o3a_p>

ORLANDO, Fla.-U.S. Senator Ashley Moody is fighting to protect law enforcement officers and first responders from violent attacks in the line of duty. Standing with Orange County Sheriff John Mina and Orlando Fire Chief Charlie Salazar in Orlando today, Sen. Moody discussed the Graham Hoffman Act. The legislation would allow the U.S. to use the full force of state and federal law to prosecute those who assault first responders and act as a deterrent to anyone considering such acts of violence.<_o3a_p>

U.S. Senator Ashley Moodysaid, "Florida's first responders routinely put their lives on the line to save ours. I will always have the backs of these heroes, and will continue fighting to ensure criminals who assault first responders are dealt with the full force of state and federal law. I'm proud to stand with Orange County Sheriff Mina and Orlando Fire Chief Charlie Salazar today in Orlando to support the Graham Hoffman Act."<_o3a_p>

Orange County Sheriff John Minasaid, "Senator Moody has always been one of our biggest supporters, and that is further evidenced by her sponsorship of the Graham Hoffman Act. As everyone has seen in the video, it's not often that the public gets a peek at these violent attacks on our people. I know I speak for all the leaders in the room when I say these are not rare events."<_o3a_p>

Orlando Fire Chief Charlie Salazarsaid, "The bipartisan Graham Hoffman Act represents a beacon of hope, aiming to bring perpetrators to justice and deter senseless attacks on those who dedicate their lives to serving others."<_o3a_p>

Under the Graham Hoffman Act, an attack on a first responder would be considered a federal crime if it takes place in the line of duty and if the attacker:<_o3a_p>

• Committed the criminal action during the course of, or as the result of, travel across state or national lines;<_o3a_p>
• Used a channel of interstate commerce or an interstate facility in connection with the attack;<_o3a_p>
• Use a weapon that traveled in interstate or foreign commerce;<_o3a_p>
• Affected interstate or foreign commerce; or<_o3a_p>
• If the victim is a federal first responder.<_o3a_p>

Attacks that result in death or offenses that include kidnapping, attempt to kidnap, or an attempt to kill would be subject to up to life in prison, under the act. Lesser offenses would be subject to up to 10 years of imprisonment.<_o3a_p>

In addition to Senator Moody, Senators Eric Schmitt, Maggie Hassan, Josh Hawley, James Risch, Mike Crapo, Ted Cruz, and Bill Hagerty are co-sponsoring the Graham Hoffman Act. The act is named for Graham Hoffman, a Kansas City paramedic who was attacked and killed in the line of duty.<_o3a_p>

Click hereto read the full text of the bill. <_o3a_p>

# # #<_o3a_p>