Bill > S868

This bill, known as the Defending Our Defenders Act, amends Title 18 of the United States Code to make the murder of a federal, state, or local law enforcement officer a crime punishable by life in prison or death. The bill introduces a new section, Section 1123, which establishes specific aggravating factors that a jury or court must consider in determining whether to impose the death penalty for such offenses. These factors include the defendant's intent to ambush the officer, prior statements advocating violence against law enforcement, membership in or affiliation with organizations that promote violence, the offense occurring during organized anti-law enforcement activity, and the defendant's attempts to prevent the lawful execution of the officer's duties. The bill also clarifies that it does not prevent states, territories, or the District of Columbia from exercising jurisdiction over such offenses or deprive state and local law enforcement agencies of responsibility for prosecuting violations that may also be violations of state or local law.

Justice

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/868/all-info