Protect and Serve Act of 2026

This bill amends title 18, United States Code, to create new federal criminal offenses targeting law enforcement officers. It establishes penalties for individuals who willfully and with intent to kill a law enforcement officer solely because of their status. Killing an officer can result in imprisonment for any term of years or life, while attempting to kill an officer causing serious bodily injury carries a maximum sentence of 20 years, both with potential fines. A "law enforcement officer" is defined broadly as an employee of a governmental or public agency authorized to engage in or supervise the prevention, detection, investigation, detention, or incarceration of criminal violations. Federal jurisdiction for these offenses applies under several conditions, including when the conduct involves interstate or foreign commerce —such as travel across state lines, use of interstate channels, or the use of weapons that have traveled interstate—or if the victim is a Federal law enforcement officer . Federal prosecution for these crimes can only proceed with a written certification from the Attorney General, or a designee. This certification requires either a State request for federal jurisdiction or a determination that federal prosecution is in the public interest and necessary to secure substantial justice, based on factors like the extent of planning and public safety benefits.