HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Connecticut U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal says he and fellow lawmakers want to impose criminal penalties against those who threaten or attack journalists doing their jobs.
The Democrat said the proposed Journalist Protection Act would make such threats and physical attacks a federal crime, punishable by three to six years in prison.
Blumenthal proposed similar legislation last year. He says it’s now needed in light of a graphic and violent parody video that depicts the likeness of President Donald Trump shooting and stabbing opponents and members of the news media.
The White House said Monday Trump “strongly condemns” the video, played during a conference of Trump supporters at the president’s Miami golf resort.
The legislation is co-sponsored by New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez and California U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell, both Democrats.
