Oklahoma lawmaker set to make targeting police a hate crime

An Oklahoma lawmaker announced plans to introduce legislation that would make targeting or threatening law enforcement officers, first responders, or military service members a hate crime.

“After the events this weekend in California, and the terrible attack on our police officers in Tulsa earlier this summer, it’s more important than ever to protect our law enforcement officers and the individuals putting their lives on the line to protect our safety,” said Republican state Sen. Casey Murdock, who introduced the legislation. “With the hatred and unrest in this country, we must classify these careers as a protected class. Attacks against our peace officers are absolutely a hate crime because they are targeted based on their profession.”