RELEASE: During National Police Week, Gottheimer Announces Bipartisan “Stop the Doxx Act” to Protect Law Enforcement Officers and their Families

Resources / Press Share on RELEASE: During National Police Week, Gottheimer Announces Bipartisan “Stop the Doxx Act” to Protect Law Enforcement Officers and their Families May 12, 2026 Press Announces Bipartisan PAL Act Highlights Critical Importance of Investing in Law Enforcement Above: Gottheimer announces new bipartisan federal legislation to protect law enforcement. MIDLAND PARK, NJ — Today, to mark National Police Week, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) introduced two new bipartisan federal bills: one to protect law enforcement officers and their families from doxxing — the publishing of personal information online to threaten, intimidate, or facilitate violence — and the Police Athletic/Activities League (PAL) Reauthorization Act. Gottheimer is the Co-Chair of the bipartisan Law Enforcement Caucus. The bipartisan “Stop the Doxx Act,” which Gottheimer is leading with Congressman Don Bacon (R-NE) and Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY)  It will: Make it a federal crime — with strengthened penalties — to knowingly publish the personal information of a federal, state, or local law enforcement officer, prosecutor, judge, or immediate family member with the intent to threaten, intimidate, or facilitate violence. The legislation sets penalties of prison time, not just fines, which increases if the conduct results in bodily injury or death. The bill also creates a national training program to help officers and public servants better protect their personal information online and understand their rights when their data is leaked. Gottheimer also introduced the PAL Act, which funds grants to establish Police Athletic League chapters that partner local officers with kids through sports, mentorship, and youth development programming to build trust and prevent crime in their communities. “You can’t protect our communities if you can’t protect the people who sacrifice so much for us,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “Doxxing isn’t harmless online behavior. It is targeted intimidation against the people who keep our families safe, and the law has simply not kept up with the threat. We must always get the backs of those who risk their lives every day to protect us, and that means making sure they and their families are safe both on the job and at home.” Watch Gottheimer’s remarks here. “Those who protect our communities and uphold the rule of law deserve protection from threats, intimidation, and violence,” said Congressman Don Bacon (NE-2). “The Stop the Doxx Act makes clear that weaponizing personal information against law enforcement, prosecutors, judges, or their families is unacceptable and must carry real consequences. With threats and intimidation against these public servants continuing to rise, this legislation is needed now. I look forward to working with Rep. Gottheimer to get this bipartisan legislation signed into law.” “As a lifelong member of law enforcement and former sheriff, I saw firsthand the amazing work the Police Athletic League of Jacksonville (JaxPAL) did in our community,” said Congressman John Rutherford (FL-5). “For more than 80 years, this organization has helped build relationships between young Americans and law enforcement that has led to safer, more connected communities. That’s why I am proud to join Rep. Gottheimer to introduce the National Police Athletic/Activities League Youth Enrichment Reauthorization Act.” “The New Jersey State PBA applauds Congressman Gottheimer for proposing legislation to criminalize the doxxing of law enforcement officers.  Intentionally releasing a law enforcement officer’s address for the purpose of threatening or murdering them is a heinous violation of the peace,” said Peter Andreyev, State President of New Jersey’s Policemen’s Benevolent Associations. “This is National Police Week where we remember and celebrate the lives, service and bravery of the thousands of law enforcement officers who have been killed in the line of duty since our nation’s founding. Congressman Gottheimer’s proposal is a common sense approach to prevent more names from being added to the Memorial Wall in Washington.” “Protecting those who protect our communities is a fundamental responsibility of our legal system. Congressman Gottheimer’s leadership in making the doxxing of law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and judges a federal crime is a critical step toward ensuring that those on the front lines of justice can do their jobs without fear of targeted violence or intimidation against themselves and their families,” said Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella. “A national training program to help public servants understand their rights and protect their personal information online would be both practical and proactive. By establishing strict federal penalties and providing vital training resources, this initiative reinforces the shield that guards our public servants in an increasingly digital world.” “The STFA leadership thanks Congressman Gottheimer for his co