Contributed photo
Contributed photo
State Rep. Marty Moylan (D-Dist. 55) recently introduced House Bill 4308, which classifies physical assaults against military members as potential hate crimes, with the penalty for a conviction carrying a maximum of three years in prison in addition to any other penalties for the crime.
“Members of the military put their lives on the line to keep us safe all over the world,” Moylan said. “The last thing they should have to worry about is being a victim of an act of violence right here in America.”
The legislation is in response to the July 16 attack on two military installations in Tennessee. The suspect killed four Marines and one Navy sailor and injured a Marine recruiter and a police officer before being killed by police. An investigation revealed a possible motive: the suspect's frustration with U.S. foreign policy in the Arab world.
“Law enforcement and local prosecutors should be allowed to take more action against those who attack members of our armed forces,” Moylan said. “We cannot stand by while members of our armed forces are ambushed, and this legislation will strengthen protections and help bring justice to the victims and their families.”
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