National Police Association Backs Bipartisan Bill to Curb Anti-Police Violence
Event summary
- The National Police Association (NPA) endorsed the bipartisan Protect and Serve Act of 2026 (S. 5214), introduced by Sens. Thom Tillis (NC) and Chris Coons (DE).
- The bill proposes federal penalties for intentionally killing or attempting to kill law enforcement officers due to their status, with punishments ranging from life imprisonment to 20 years for attempted killings causing serious injury.
- The legislation was referred to the Judiciary Committee and is a narrower version of an earlier bill, focusing specifically on targeted violence against officers.
- The NPA cited a 10-year high in assault rates on officers in 2025, as per FBI data, and highlighted the December 2025 killing of Delaware State Police Corporal Ty Snook as a case illustrating the need for such legislation.
The big picture
The endorsement of the Protect and Serve Act of 2026 by the NPA reflects growing concerns over violence against law enforcement, as highlighted by recent FBI data showing a 10-year high in assault rates. The bipartisan nature of the bill suggests a potential path forward in a politically divided Congress, though its success will depend on broader public and legislative support for pro-police measures. The legislation's focus on targeted violence could set a precedent for future federal interventions in state-level law enforcement issues.
What we're watching
- Legislative Momentum
- Whether the Protect and Serve Act of 2026 can gain traction in the Judiciary Committee and move toward a floor vote, given the current political climate.
- Policy Impact
- How the bill's narrower focus on targeted violence will affect state-federal dynamics in prosecuting crimes against law enforcement officers.
- Public Safety Trends
- The pace at which assault rates on officers continue to rise or fall, which could influence the urgency and support for similar legislation in the future.