Police killers need to be cracked down on. Congress can help

Every time a law enforcement officer or first responder comes out the door in uniform, they make a strict promise. Tragically, the risk is too high. In 2024, 342 officers were shot dead in duties, and 50 were tragically killed.

This is unacceptable. We must absolutely clarify that: if you target police officers, you will face the full power of the law.

That’s why we are urging Congress to pass the Thin Blue Line Act, a common sense measure that ensures they face the most serious consequences under federal law. Our message is simple: we back blue. That support should include real accountability for those who want to harm them.

The numbers are incredible. According to the National Brotherhood Police Order, the United States saw an 8% increase in officers shot and killed in duties in 2024 compared to the previous year. US law enforcement officials were also terrified by 61 ambush-style attacks, causing 79 officers to be injured and 18 deaths. These are not isolated cases, but rather some of the disturbing trends in violence against law enforcement. Officers are increasingly targeted, not because of what they did, but because of who they are and what they represent.

This comes shortly after years of anti-political rhetoric that undermined morale, weakened recruitment and eroded public trust in law enforcement. Divisions across the country struggle to fill ranks, but brave officers continue to report their obligations knowing they have become targets.

The Thin Blue Line Act is a long-term response to this crisis. It does the first response to murder or attempted murder of a police officer, the aggravating factor in the death penalty sentence with federal jurisdiction. Applies whether an officer or responder has been killed while on duty or simply because he is wearing a badge.

This is not a partisan issue. In 2017, the bill passed the House with a strong bipartisan vote of 271 to 143, including support from 48 Democrats. (The bill did not advance through the Senate.) It fills the critical gap in federal law and delivers a powerful message. Our judicial system stands firmly against those who are causing harm.

That’s why the bill has won the support of law enforcement leaders and organizations across the country. This is supported by the National Brothers Police, the National Sheriff’s Association, the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, and the American Association of Deputy Sheriffs, to name just a few.

Here in Florida, we witnessed too many officers killed in duties. Eight officers have died throughout our state last year alone. It is twice as many as 2023, making it the fifth in the country. Floridians know we must serve as criminals to hold these indescribable acts of violence. As such, the law has previously been defended by Prime Ministers Rick Scott and Ashley Moody, as well as the US Attorney General and former Attorney General of Florida Pam Bondy.

Law enforcement officers risk their lives every day to keep us safe. They deserve more than praise – they deserve action. Congress must pass the Light Blue Line Act and send an undeniable message to officers that targeting officers will face the most severe penalties under the law.

By honoring the Blue Men and Women in honor of National Police Week, now is the time to stand up to law enforcement and first responders. Let us do our part to protect those who protect us.

US Rep. Vern Buchanan represents the 16th Congressional District, including Sarasota and Bradenton. Rick Wells is a Manatee County Sheriff. Both are Republicans.