Congressman Poe on Iowa Officer Shooting

Early this morning while most Americans were safe in their homes fast asleep, two Iowa Peace Officers were on duty. Suddenly, in the dark of night, they were ambushed and murdered right in their patrol cars just a few miles apart. Police have identified and are holding the suspect in custody.  

Today's murders are unfortunately just the latest in a wave of targeted attacks on Peace Officers in America. 51 officers have been murdered this year. Enough is enough. It is time for Congress to take action to protect those who serve.

That is why I have introduced H.R. 5809, the Back the Blue Bill which will increase federal penalties against people who either kill, assault or plan violence against a law enforcement officer. 

As a prosecutor and Judge for over 30 years, I had the privilege of working alongside some of America's best, the men and women behind the badge. Without them, we would live in anarchy.