President Donald Trump has revealed that he's signed an executive order requiring a "mandatory death penalty" for "anyone who murders a police officer in the US.
He made known during his address to Congress on Tuesday, March 4.
Speaking about more support for the police in the US, Trump called on Congress to make that executive order a law.
"I've already signed an executive order requiring a mandatory death penalty for anyone who murders a police officer," the president said. "And tonight, I'm asking Congress to pass that policy into permanent law."
The executive order the president signed doesn't require the death penalty, but it does call the attorney general, wherever possible consistent with law, to seek the death penalty for every federal capital crime involving the murder of a law enforcement officer.
Trump’s comments also echo his campaign trail rhetoric about the need for more aggressive policing. He suggested last year that “one rough hour” of law enforcement action would tamp down retail theft. He has also advocated ensuring that officers “have immunity from prosecution.”
“We’re also once again giving our police officers the support, protection and respect they so dearly deserve.”
