WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump called for a mandatory death penalty for anyone convicted of killing a law enforcement officer during a speech to Congress on March 4.
Trump announced he signed an executive order that would make the death penalty mandatory in such cases. During his speech, he asked lawmakers to make it a permanent law.
Trump also pushed for a new crime bill that would increase penalties for repeat offenders and expand protections for law enforcement officers.
“So they can do their jobs without fear of their lives being totally destroyed,” Trump said. “They don’t wanna be killed. We’re not going to let them be killed.”
His remarks came as he honored Stephanie Diller, the widow of NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller, who was shot and killed during a traffic stop in Far Rockaway in March 2023. Diller, a father to a 1-year-old, was shot in the stomach while approaching a suspicious vehicle.
“He was gunned down. I went to his funeral last year. The murderer had 21 prior arrests on different charges. He was a bad one. When I met Diller’s widow, Stephanie, and son, Ryan, it was really inspirational. Thank you very much,” Trump said during his address to Congress.
Trump vowed to ensure Ryan grows up knowing his father is a hero.
“Stephanie, we are going to make sure that Ryan knows his dad is a true hero. And we are going to get these criminals off our streets. We need to stop it. It’s time now,” he continued.
During her eulogy on March 30, 2024, Stephanie Diller questioned how many more officers and families would have to endure such tragedies before real protections were enacted.
Several bills have been introduced that would impose the death penalty for those convicted of killing law enforcement officers, though none have yet become law. Trump has made crime and policing a central issue in his 2024 campaign, repeatedly advocating for stricter penalties for violent offenders, particularly those who target police officers.
