Graham Hoffman Act

Increased penalties for violent assaults: Under Section 2(a), individuals who assault first responders causing serious bodily injury could face up to 10 years in prison, providing a stricter punishment for these acts.

Severe consequences for extreme violence: Section 2(a)(2) provides for life imprisonment if the assault results in death or includes kidnapping or attempted murder, which targets the most extreme criminal acts against responders.

Protection for specific groups: Section 2(d)(1) defines first responders to include firefighters, law enforcement officers, rescue squad or ambulance crew members, and certain paramedic ALS intercept service members, ensuring these specific groups are covered under the law.

Federal prosecution requirements: Under Section 2(c)(1), the United States cannot prosecute these offenses unless the Attorney General or a designee provides a written certification, which includes instances where a State has requested federal jurisdiction or where a State sentence failed to vindicate federal interests in public safety.

Jurisdictional restrictions: Section 2(b) limits the scope of these crimes to specific circumstances, such as conduct occurring during travel across state lines, use of interstate commerce, or involving a Federal first responder.