Rep. John McGuire introduces Federal Accountability for Federal Obstruction Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Representative John McGuire (VA-05) introduced the Federal Accountability for Felony Obstruction (FAFO) Act in response to the violent anti-federal law enforcement riots which have occurred across the country.

This bill will expand the statutory definition of "domestic terrorism" to actions that result in significant property damage and impeding law enforcement and first responders.

"If your actions threaten American lives for political purposes, you are committing domestic terrorism," said Rep. John McGuire (VA-05). "Everyone has the right to peacefully protest, but what we've seen in cities across the country has gone far beyond that and instead turned into violent and dangerous riots. Families are being hindered getting loved ones to the hospital, buildings have been burned, brave law enforcement are putting their lives in harm's way, and lives are being lost while the media and the emocrats call them 'mostly peaceful protests.' It's common-sense vs chaos. The Federal Accountably for Felony Obstruction (FAFO) Act will hold these violent criminals accountable and keep the American people safe."

Representative Wesley Hunt (TX-38) and Representative Matt Van Epps (TN-07), are original co-sponsors of the bill.

"For years, the radical left has attempted to excuse riots, arson, and violence under the banner of so-called political protest," said Rep. Hunt (TX-38). "In 2020, Americans watched cities like Minneapolis descend into chaos following the death of George Floyd. In 2025, we witnessed violent riots erupt in Los Angeles in response to lawful ICE operations. Burning businesses, assaulting law enforcement officers, destroying communities, and terrorizing innocent Americans is not protest, it is criminality. The United States cannot tolerate organized violence masquerading as activism. Individuals who attack law enforcement, endanger public safety, and sow fear and destruction in our communities must be treated with the seriousness their actions warrant. Congress has a duty to call this behavior exactly what it is: domestic terrorism."

"The days when radical activists get away with taking over our streets, trashing our businesses, and impeding law enforcement operations must end," said Rep. Van Epps (TN-07). "Over the last several years, we've seen far too much disorder and not enough law and order. We have also seen our brave men and women of law enforcement mocked, abused, and forced to stand by while the communities they swore to protect are victimized. Rep. McGuire's bill is an important step to right these wrongs by holding criminals who damage property during so-called protests accountable. As a nation, we strongly believe in the right to protest and the right to free speech, but this does not include violence, the destruction of property, or creating unsafe conditions and preventing law enforcement from doing their jobs by blocking roads. I am proud to support legislation that treats politically motivated violence with the seriousness it deserves and stands firmly on the side of law-abiding citizens, local businesses, and the brave men and women of law enforcement."

Under current U.S. law, "domestic terrorism" includes activities "dangerous to human life" that are intended to influence Americans and our government through intimidation, coercion, and mass destruction. Sadly, such activities are starting to become commonplace tactics for organized leftist groups and their followers.

For years, politically motivated "peaceful protestors" have pillaged our workplaces, ransacked our public infrastructure, and blocked our roads to stop federal law enforcement and first responders from carrying out their duties. Every day our citizens have been caught in the crossfire. The American way of life is not just under threat, real American lives are being destroyed. These violent rioters who threaten livelihoods to achieve political ends must not be tolerated in this country.

As we wrap up National Police Week, Congressman McGuire wishes to reinforce his support for the brave men and women who put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe.

Background:

• This bill designates political protestors and those inspired by them who engage in violent and destructive activities to obstruct law enforcement as domestic terrorists.
• Specifically, this bill would expand the definition of "domestic terrorism" in 18 U.S.C. 2331 to include activities that cause significant property damage and impede law enforcement and first responders from carrying out their duties.

A copy of the bill can be found here.