Graham Hoffman Act

Summary

Creates a new federal crime for knowingly assaulting a first responder who is performing official duties if the assault causes serious bodily injury, punishable by up to 10 years, a fine, or both. It imposes a much harsher penalty (any term of years or life, fine, or both) if the attack causes death or includes kidnapping or attempted killing, and limits federal prosecutions unless the Attorney General certifies certain conditions are met.

• Creates a new federal crime for knowingly assaulting a first responder that causes serious bodily injury.
• Maximum penalty for that offense is up to 10 years imprisonment, a fine, or both.
• Enhanced penalty (any term of years or life, fine, or both) if the assault causes death or involves kidnapping/attempted killing.
• Applies only when specific federal jurisdictional triggers are met (interstate commerce, weapon use, federal victim, etc.).
• Requires written Attorney General certification before federal prosecutors may bring most cases under the new law.
• Preserves federal investigative and grand jury authority even where certification is required.
• Defines "first responder" by cross-reference to existing federal statutory and regulatory definitions covering police, firefighters, EMS, and certain paramedic services.
• Does not appropriate funds or create new programs — it adds a criminal offense and penalties.
• Includes a clerical update to the U.S. Code table of chapters.