Washington: US President Donald Trump has asked Attorney General Todd Blanche to examine whether the death penalty could be imposed on people who deliberately kill firefighters while they are responding to emergencies.
Speaking at a White House event honouring first responders on Thursday, Trump said firefighters face serious dangers while protecting communities and argued that attacks on them should attract severe punishment.
The proposal extends his stated support for capital punishment in cases involving the killing of police officers and other law enforcement personnel. Trump also recounted incidents in which firefighters responding to emergencies allegedly came under gunfire while attempting to rescue people from burning buildings.
However, the remarks were a request for legal examination and did not announce any change to existing law.
The event brought together representatives of police departments, fire services, Border Patrol and other emergency response agencies. Trump praised their contribution to public safety and highlighted federal assistance intended to strengthen emergency services.
He said his administration had provided $648 million to more than 1,600 fire departments and first responder organisations during the previous month.
The President also referred to tax measures he said benefited emergency personnel working overtime and highlighted legislation concerning qualifying work-related cancer deaths among firefighters.
Any expansion of capital punishment would require careful consideration of applicable federal and state laws, as well as constitutional requirements. The precise scope and legal pathway for the proposal remain unclear.
The remarks underscored Trump’s push for tougher penalties for violence against emergency personnel, although further legal and legislative steps would be needed before any proposed expansion could take effect.
