Senators Schmitt, Hassan Introduce the Graham Hoffman Act to Increase Penalties for Crimes Against First Responders

Bill is Named in Honor of Kansas City First Responder Killed in the Line of Duty

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Eric Schmitt (R-MO) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) introduced the Graham Hoffman Act, which will make it a federal crime to assault first responders. This legislation is named in honor of Graham Hoffman, a paramedic from Kansas City who was attacked and killed in the line of duty by a known criminal on April 27, 2025.

“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 Senator Schmitt.

“First responders put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe, and they deserve our protection when they answer the call to help others. This bill honors the memory of fallen heroes by holding criminals that attack those who serve and protect our communities fully accountable for their crimes and sending a clear message that targeting and attacking first responders will not be tolerated,” said Senator Hassan.

This legislation is co-sponsored by Senators Josh Hawley (R-MO), Ashley Moody (R-FL), James Risch (R-ID), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Ted Cruz (R-TX), and Bill Hagerty (R-TN).

Click HERE to read the full text of the bill.

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