Staten Island’s Rep: New Legislation Protects Federal Law Enforcement Officers From Agitators, Interference-Makers, Disruptors By Creating Buffer Zone

Malliotakis Backs the Blue with Legislation to Protect Federal Law Enforcement Officers

Editor’s note: This legislation creates an invisible buffer zone of fifteen feet around any officer who has given an order to stand back. This order applies specifically to peaceful protests, and requires no actual violence or threatening activity on the part of a protestor, instead establishing the violation of the invisible boundary surrounding an officer, the breach of which would apparently subject someone to arrest.  This would allow police to more easily arrest protestors who have unknowingly crossed that line. New York’s governor recently introduced legislation at the state level to prevent police officers from being used to aid in immigration enforcement.  As Commissioner Tisch had made clear, though, the NYPD has already not been giving assistance to federal immigration officers. They have their own jobs to perform, and city police have their hands full fighting real criminals.  We also recently reviewed the film American Agitators, which shows the history of political protests, movements, and labor unionization in America.  

(WASHINGTON, DC) — This week, as the nation marks National Police Week, Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) introduced H.R. 8796, the Federal Halo Act. The bill would create a commonsense safety buffer to better protect federal law enforcement officers from threats, harassment, and interference while they are carrying out their duties, specifically targeting agitators and individuals who are interfering or being disruptive. If enacted, the legislation would keep both law enforcement and the public safe.

The legislation makes it illegal for anyone who has been told to stay back to knowingly come within 15 feet of a federal law enforcement officer while the officer is performing their official duties, if their intent is to interfere with or obstruct the officer’s work; threaten the officer with physical harm; or harass the officer. Anyone who violates this law could face a fine, up to five years in prison, or both.

“During National Police Week and every week, I’m proud to back the blue by introducing legislation to better protect federal law enforcement officers from harassment, threats, and interference while they are doing their jobs,” said Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis. “Our district is home to many brave law enforcement officers and their families, and I’ll always stand with those who put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe.”

“In far too many jurisdictions across this country, individuals have felt increasingly emboldened to harass and interfere with lawful enforcement activities,” said Mathew Silverman, President, Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association. “These individuals are not interested in peaceful protest; instead turning to violence and intimidation tactics against federal law enforcement. The ‘HALO Act’ will reverse this harmful trend, imposing tough penalties and increasing officer safety. FLEOA applauds Rep. Malliotakis for her leadership and look forward to working with her to see it enacted into law.”

“The United States Park Police Fraternal Order of Police strongly supports the Federal Halo Act because a clear, reasonable safety buffer after a verbal warning makes these incidents safer for everyone involved – our officers, bystanders, and even the individual who may be interfering with a lawful police action. This protection is especially critical for the U.S. Park Police, whose officers are charged every day with protecting public safety while also safeguarding the freedom of expression at our nation’s most iconic landmarks and public spaces,” said Kenneth Spencer, Chief of Staff, United States Park Police Fraternal Order of Police.

Since 2021, Congresswoman Malliotakis has secured more than $10 million for the New York Police Department and New York City Department of Correction, including funding for personal protective equipment, forensic equipment, patrol response vehicles, fixed plate reader systems to target car thefts, K-9 training and equipment, tasers, and belt-worn trauma kits.

Banner Image: Protest in Manhattan. Image Credit – Guido Coppa