The National Police Association (NPA) said it supports the Protect and Serve Act that would protect law enforcement officers targeted while working.
The legislation, introduced by U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Chris Coons (D-DE), would establish federal penalties for intentionally killing or attempting to kill officers because of their law enforcement status. Attempting to kill an officer and causing serious bodily injury would carry a maximum sentence of 20 years, fines, or both. The bill has been referred to the Judiciary Committee, officials said.
“Police officers require legislative safeguards designed to deter and penalize the violence being directed at them,” Paula Fitzsimmons, Legislative Director of the National Police Association, said. “The Protect and Serve Act of 2026 provides needed deterrence against intentional anti-police violence, while preserving the role of state prosecutors.”
Tillis and Coons said the law, if passed, would serve as a deterrent, and as a tribute to those officers who’ve lost their lives after being targeted. Coons said he was inspired to introduce the bill after the shooting of Corporal Grade One Matthew “Ty” Snook, killed in the line of duty in 2025.
“No law enforcement officer should have to fear for their lives just because they put on their badge before they go to work each day. Yet too many officers have been killed in targeted attacks designed specifically to take the lives of law enforcement, leaving a gaping tear in the hearts of spouses, parents, children, and communities,” Coons said.
Officials with the NPA said the legislation comes as violence against law enforcement remains a national concern. According to the FBI’s most recently available Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) data, the assault rate on officers reached a 10-year high in 2025.