After the death of a Kansas City Paramedic by a criminal known to the law, Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) announced on Friday that he will introduce legislation to increase penalties for crimes committed against first responders.
“Over the weekend, the life of Kansas City firefighter-paramedic, Graham Hoffman, was cut short at the hands of a known criminal who was released from custody shortly before this attack occurred,” Schmitt said in a statement.
“This tragedy must never happen again in Missouri, or anywhere else in the country. It is for this reason that I intend to introduce legislation increasing federal penalties on those who kill first responders while in the line-of-duty. Every day, first responders risk their lives to protect our communities. It’s time to stand up and ensure that they are protected against those who would harm them. In honor of Graham’s memory, this legislation will ensure that our nation achieves just that,” he added.
Hoffman, 29 years old, died after being stabbed to the chest.
According to court documents, Shanetta Bossell was arrested when she tried to drive away in the ambulance while others were treating Hoffman’s chest injury. She was jailed with a $1 million bond for charges of first degree murder, armed criminal activity, assault, and resisting an arrest. Online court records do not list her as having an attorney.
