In response to the fatal shooting of Deputy Larry Henderson, Ohio State Representatives Cindy Abrams (R-Harrison) and Phil Plummer (R-Dayton) have brought forward the Larry Henderson Act, their pledge to fortify consequences for those who commit murder against peace officers and others in similar roles of public service. The proposed legislation, detailed in a report from the Ohio House of Representatives, calls for mandatory death penalty or life imprisonment without parole for offenders found guilty of aggravated murder of peace officers, prosecutors, first responders, or military personnel.
"Our first responders should be able to do their jobs without fear of violent retaliation," Rep. Abrams stated, underscoring the imperative that families of first responders shouldn't have to endure the turmoil of parole board decisions over the incarceration of those who took their loved ones from them, according to a statement obtained by Ohio House of Representatives. Rep. Phil Plummer added that the legislation is designed to impart significant consequences for the grave act of knowingly ending the lives of individuals dedicated to the protection and service of others.
Deputy Larry Henderson, whose service with the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office spanned over three decades since 1991, was slain while ensuring the safety of attendees at the University of Cincinnati's Spring Commencement on May 2. The Larry Henderson Act, inspired by the tragedy that befell Henderson and his community, seeks to add weight to the legal ramifications expected by those who choose to target public servants violently. The Act is currently pending a bill number and awaits assignment to a House committee.
