Bill would make murder of law enforcement officer punishable by death or life in prison - WZTV

WASHINGTON, D.C.--A bill filed in the U.S. Congress would make the murder of a law enforcement officer punishable by life in prison or death.

H.R.1690/S.619 is sponsored in the U.S. House of Representatives by Rep. Yvette Herrell (R-NM-2) and Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR). Otherwise known as the "Defending our Defenders Act," the bill would apply to federal, state, and local law enforcement officers murdered in the line of duty.

Criminals convicted in the murder of a law enforcement officer would then be subject to the court's determination if the death sentence is appropriate. The court would consider "aggravating factors" in the officer's death or the factors can be considered by a jury.

Factors include the defendant's intent to ambush an officer, prior statements advocating for violence against officers, participating with "anarchist" or other "violence promoting organization," if the murder takes place during an "anti-law enforcement" activity, prior threats made to officers, and if the defendant was trying to prevent the officer from carrying out their duties.

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source: https://fox17.com/news/local/bill-would-make-murder-of-law-enforcement-officer-punishable-by-death-or-life-in-prison-united-states-news-police-justice-crime-alertnest

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