Dear Representative Buchanan
I am writing on behalf of the members of the Fraternal Order of Police to advise you of our support for H.R. 378, the “Thin Blue Line Act,” which would expand the list of aggravating factors in death penalty determinations for those who target, kill, or attempt to kill a law enforcement or other public safety officer.
Law enforcement officers have always faced threats while on duty, but within the past few years, officers have become a target for violence solely because of the uniform they wear. In 2024, 342 officers were shot in the line of duty, and 50 of them were killed. There were 61 ambush-style attacks on law enforcement officers, which resulted in 79 officers being shot, 18 of whom were killed.
Under current law, the murder of a Federal law enforcement officer or prosecutor is an “aggravating” factor in favor of the maximum penalty—usually death. This legislation would provide that the murder of local or State prosecutors, law enforcement officers, or other public safety officers also be considered an “aggravating” factor in a Federal case.
On behalf of the more than 377,000 members of the Fraternal Order of Police, I thank you for your leadership on this important issue. If I can be of any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me or Executive Director Jim Pasco in our Washington, D.C. office.
Sincerely,
Patrick Yoes
National President