Click image above to view Senator
Moody’s remarks
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.
U.S. Senator Ashley
Moody
said, “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.”
Orange County Sheriff
John Mina
said, “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.”
Orlando Fire Chief
Charlie Salazar
said, “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.”
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:
- Committed the criminal action during the course of, or
as the result of, travel across state or national lines;
- Used a channel of interstate commerce or an interstate
facility in connection with the attack;
- Use a weapon that traveled in interstate or foreign
commerce;
- Affected interstate or foreign commerce; or
- If the victim is a federal first responder.
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.
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.
Click here to read the full text
of the bill.
#
# #