Senators Katie Britt, R-Alabama, and Tommy Tuberville, R-Alabama, joined U.S. Senator John Cornyn, R-Texas, and several of their Republican colleagues in reintroducing the “Back the Blue Act of 2025“—legislation that would both increase criminal penalties for individuals who assault or murder law enforcement officers and expand active and retired officers’ ability to carry firearms in public spaces.
The new bill would specifically establish a new federal crime for killing, attempting to kill, or conspiring to kill a federal judge, federal law enforcement officer, or federally funded public safety officer. Individuals convicted of the crime in cases where death results would face a minimum prison sentence of 30 years and a maximum sentence of the death penalty; if death does not result, the offender would face a minimum sentence of 10 years. Fleeing prosecution for the crime would constitute its own charge under the bill, also carrying a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison.
The legislation would create a separate crime for the assault of a federally-funded law enforcement officer. Offenders would face escalating penalties based on the extent of injury caused and whether a deadly weapon was involved.
In addition to these new crimes, the legislation would also make the murder or attempted murder of a law enforcement officer or first responder a statutory aggravating factor for the purposes of issuing the federal death penalty.
The bill also seeks to limit an individual’s ability to recover civil damages and attorney’s fees if they sue a law enforcement official over purported injuries incurred during an arrest if that individual was “more likely than not” engaged in a felony or violent crime. Similarly, it would limit an individual’s ability to pursue federal habeas relief for state-level convictions related to crimes involving the murder of a public safety officer.
For federal law enforcement officials, the legislation would expand their ability to carry firearms in federal buildings and facilities, even allowing both active and retired law enforcement officials to carry firearms in school zones without stipulation.
Both Britt and Tuberville made official comments celebrating the legislation’s introduction in recent press releases.
“As dangerous, violent threats and rhetoric rise against our courageous law enforcement officers, it is increasingly important that Congress ensures they have the protection and resources they deserve,” Britt said of the legislation. “The Black the Blue Act honors their commitment to protecting our families, communities, and nation, and reaffirms our steadfast support for those who risk their lives every day to keep our nation safe.”
“Our law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day when they go into the field to protect us,” Tuberville said. “We have to send a message loud and clear: violence against law enforcement will not be tolerated. After years of soft-on-crime policies that have weakened our justice system, it is important that we take a hard stance against any and every targeted attack toward our police officers.”
“I will always back the blue and work to make sure these men and women are fully equipped with everything they need to keep us safe,” Tuberville added.
If enacted, the Back the Blue Act’s provisions would take effect immediately.
