New Bill Aims to Protect Police After Snook's Death

State of DE - Four U.S. Senators introduced a new bill this week to protect police officers from targeted attacks. The bill is called the Protect and Serve Act of 2026.

The senators introducing the bill are Chris Coons of Delaware, Thom Tillis of North Carolina, Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada, and Mike Crapo of Idaho. The bill would create new federal charges for anyone who intentionally targets a law enforcement officer.

Lawmakers introduced the bill in honor of officers killed in targeted attacks in Delaware and North Carolina. One of those officers was Corporal Grade One Matthew "Ty" Snook.

Cpl. Snook was killed in the line of duty on December 23, 2025. He was shot at a Wilmington Division of Motor Vehicles office. He was a father, husband, brother, and friend.

Senator Coons said the shooting led him to introduce the bill. "No law enforcement officer should have to fear for their lives just because they put on their badge before they go to work each day. Yet too many officers have been killed in targeted attacks designed specifically to take the lives of law enforcement, leaving a gaping tear in the hearts of spouses, parents, children, and communities," said Senator Coons. "I'm proud to introduce the Protect and Serve Act of 2026 because those who perpetrate crimes like this one should be punished to the fullest extent of the law."

Senator Tillis also spoke in support of the bill. "Law enforcement officers in North Carolina and across the country are heroes who risk their lives every day to protect our communities," said Senator Tillis. "Those who commit senseless acts of violence against law enforcement officers must be held accountable for their actions, which is why I am proud to lead the bipartisan Protect and Serve Act of 2026. Officers put their lives on the line to protect us, and we should do the work in Congress to protect them."

Senator Cortez Masto shared similar thoughts. "Targeted violence towards a law enforcement officer is completely unacceptable and anyone who tries to hurt a cop because of their job should be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law," said Senator Cortez Masto. "Our police officers put their lives on the line every day to protect their communities, and this bipartisan bill shows we have their backs."

Senator Crapo also backed the bill. "Law enforcement officers put their lives on the line to protect our communities and uphold the rule of law," said Senator Crapo. "Those who deliberately target officers with the intent to kill must face severe consequences. The Protect and Serve Act would give federal prosecutors additional tools to hold these violent offenders accountable and reinforce our commitment to those who protect and serve."

Patrick Yoes, national president of the Fraternal Order of Police, also spoke about the bill. "Our members are under fire by individuals motivated by nothing more than a desire to kill or injure a cop. Despite a decrease in the nation's homicide rate, firearms attacks on law enforcement officers have remained alarmingly high, underscoring a dangerous and persistent trend of deliberate attacks - too many of which are not spontaneous confrontations, but calculated assaults intended to inflict maximum harm on officers," said Yoes. "We are deeply grateful to Senators Tillis and Coons, with whom we have been working to develop this 'Protect and Serve Act' to better protect our men and women in law enforcement. The bill they have introduced is a product of true collaboration and we sincerely appreciate their leadership and dedication. We look forward to working with them and with our other Senate allies to get this bill to a vote on the floor."

The Protect and Serve Act of 2026 would create a new federal crime for anyone who kills or seriously injures a law enforcement officer in a targeted attack. The attack would have to be aimed at the officer solely because of their status as law enforcement.

The bill has been revised from earlier versions. Lawmakers say the changes focus federal prosecutors on the most serious attacks meant to kill law enforcement officers.

The National Fraternal Order of Police has endorsed the bill.