On Tuesday afternoon, U.S. Senators Eric Schmitt (R-MO) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) introduced the “Graham Hoffman Act,” increasing the penalties for crimes against first responders. The bill was proposed following the death of Kansas City firefighter-paramedic Graham Hoffman, 29, who was attacked and killed by a patient while in the line of duty on April 27. It aims to make assaults against first responders a federal crime.
“Graham Hoffman was a courageous firefighter-paramedic whose life was tragically cut short at the hands of a known criminal who had been released from custody shortly before the attack,” Schmitt said. “This tragic loss underscores the urgent need to protect our first responders, who put their lives on the line to serve our communities. This legislation, in honor of Graham, ensures that anyone who assaults or kills a first responder faces the full force of federal law.”
The bill states that individuals who are convicted of attempted assault or “knowingly” assaulting a first responder while in the line of duty and causing serious bodily injury could face up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine. Additionally, if the assault resulted in the first responder’s death and/or included attempted kidnapping, they could face life in prison in addition to a fine, as well.
