An Oklahoma senator says he plans to file legislation that would make attacks on law enforcement officers, first responders, national guardsmen or military service members a hate crime.
Sen. Casey Murdock said, “After the events this weekend in California – and the terrible attack on our police officers in Tulsa earlier this summer – it’s more important than ever to protect our law enforcement officers and the individuals putting their lives on the line to protect our safety.”
Under current state statute, malicious crimes with specific intent to incite or produce imminent violence directed against a person based on race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin or disability are prohibited.
“With the hatred and unrest in this country, we must classify these careers as a protected class. Attacks against our peace officers are absolutely a hate crime because they are targeted based on their profession,” said Murdock.
Measures for the 2021 legislative session can begin to be filed on Nov. 15 ahead of the Jan. 21 bill introduction deadline. The 2021 legislative session will begin on Feb. 1.
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Photo: Screenshot from video released by Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department