Idaho, Missouri U.S. Senators introduce bill that increases penalties for people who attack first responders

Idaho U.S. Senators Jim Risch and Mike Crapo, along with Missouri U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt, introduced a new bill that would increase the penalties for anyone who attacks a first responder.

This bill, titled the Graham Hoffman Act, would make it a federal crime to assault a first responder.

“Last month’s evil attack on first responders in North Idaho is a stark reminder of the dangers our brave men and women in uniform face every day,” said Sen. Risch. “The Graham Hoffman Act is commonsense legislation to properly punish those who assault the men and women who keep our communities safe.”

Kootenai County Fire and Rescue Battalion Chief Frank Harwood and Coeur d’Alene Fire Battalion Chief John Morrison were killed in an ambush while responding to a brush fire on Canfield Mountain. Coeur d’Alene Fire Engineer Dave Tysdal was also severely injured and is still in recovery.

“The devastating loss of Idaho firefighters John Morrison and Frank Harwood and severe injury of David Tysdal during a premeditated, deadly ambush last month in Coeur D’Alene remind us of the real dangers and sacrifices first responders make every day to protect our families and communities,” Sen. Crapo said. “Their loss impels us to strengthen the law and deter further violence to ensure justice is fully meted on any individual who attacks our law enforcement or first responders.”

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The bill is named after Kansas City paramedic Graham Hoffman, who was attacked and killed in the line of duty in April of this year.

“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. 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,” said Sen. Schmitt.