Intentional acts to harm police officers, firefighters, corrections officers and other emergency responders would be classified as hate crimes under legislation being sponsored by Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi.

Brindisi was joined in Albany today by representatives from law enforcement organizations and departments in support of the legislation.

“Over the past decade, incidents where law enforcement officers, firefighters, corrections officers, and EMS personnel are intentionally killed or injured while in the line of duty have increased significantly.  These cowardly acts tear a hole in the fabric of our communities that our law enforcement officers are such a vital part of. This law will toughen penalties for those who seek to harm the people who serve and protect us in New York State by classifying their reckless acts as a hate crime.

The Community Heroes Protection Act would amend state law and allow prosecutors to charge those who intentionally seek to harm first responders with a hate crime.

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