Columbia News

U.S. Senators Eric Schmitt and Maggie Hassan have introduced the Graham Hoffman Act, a new bill aimed at increasing penalties for crimes against first responders. The legislation seeks to make it a federal crime to assault these essential workers.

The bill is named in honor of Graham Hoffman, a paramedic from Kansas City who was killed in the line of duty on April 27, 2025. Hoffman was attacked by a known criminal who had been released from custody shortly before the incident.

Senator Schmitt commented on the importance of this legislation: “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.”

Senator Hassan also emphasized the significance of protecting those who serve: “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.”

The act has garnered support from several other senators including Josh Hawley, Ashley Moody, James Risch, Mike Crapo, Ted Cruz, and Bill Hagerty.