Despite the nationwide movement to disband or defund police, Georgia Governor, Brian Kemp stood his ground and signed into law a measure that offers additional protections to police officers and first responders.
House Bill 838 makes terrorizing first responders a crime, this applies to anyone responsible in the death or serious injury of police officers, firefighters, or emergency medical technicians. Damage of $500 or more to property owned by police or first responders be punished to the fullest extent.
Crimes of this nature will now be punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. This can be added to any other related sentences, which could lead to very long sentences for contravention such as vandalism directed toward an officer.
In a statement, Kemp said, “During my time as Governor, I have attended the funeral of far too many law enforcement officers who were killed in the line of duty. It’s absolutely heartbreaking, and we must act.”
The Governor called the legislation, “a step forward as we work to protect those who are risking their lives to protect us. While some vilify, target, and attack our men and women in uniform for personal or political gain, this legislation is a clear reminder that Georgia is a state that unapologetically backs the blue.”
This measure was added to a hate-crime bill that gained momentum after the deadly shooting of Ahmaud Arbery, a Black man who was killed in Glynn County in a racist attack back in February.
There are those who oppose this law and argue that police officers are already granted strong protections under the law.
One of those antagonists is Andrea Young, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Georgia. She says, “HB 838 was hastily drafted as a direct swipe at Georgians participating in the Black Lives Matter protests who were asserting their constitutional rights.”
It is no surprise that the law was passed by a Republican with almost no Democratic support.
