Sen. Ashley Moody Joins Sens. Eric Schmitt, Maggie Hassan to Introduce the Graham Hoffman Act to Increase Penalties for Crimes Against First Responders

Jul 17, 2025
WASHINGTON, D.C.– Senator Ashley Moody joinedSenators Eric Schmitt and Maggie Hassan to introduce the Graham HoffmanAct, which will make it a federal crime to assault first responders. Thislegislation is named in honor of Graham Hoffman, a paramedic who wasattacked and killedin the line of duty by a knowncriminal on April 27, 2025.

Senator Ashley Moodysaid, “The Graham Hoffman Act, namedafter a paramedic attacked and killed in the line of duty, is an important stepin supporting those who bravely run towards danger in service to ourcommunities. First responders put their lives at risk every single day to ensurethe safety of Florida families. We must make it abundantly clear: harming thosewho protect us will not be tolerated.”

Senator Eric Schmittsaid, “Graham Hoffman was a courageousfirefighter-paramedic whose life was tragically cut short at the hands of aknown 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, inhonor of Graham, ensures that anyone who assaults or kills a first responderfaces the full force of federal law.”

Senator Maggie Hassansaid, “First responders put their liveson the line every day to keep our communities safe, and they deserve ourprotection when they answer the call to help others. This bill honors thememory of fallen heroes by holding criminals that attack those who serve andprotect our communities fully accountable for their crimes and sending a clearmessage that targeting and attacking first responders will not be tolerated.”

Senators Moody, Schmitt and Hassan arejoined by Senators Josh Hawley, James Risch, Mike Crapo, Ted Cruz, and BillHagerty on the legislation.

ClickHEREto read the full text of the bill.

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