Lance Gooden
05/08/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/08/2026 08:34
New Gooden Bill Makes Assassination Attempts Eligible for Death Penalty
WASHINGTON - This week, Congressman Lance Gooden (TX-05) introduced the Protect the Presidency Act, which would treat an attempted assassination of the President the same as a fatal assassination under federal law, including making offenders eligible for the death penalty.
Under current federal law, killing the President is punishable by death or life in prison, while attempted assassination carries a lesser penalty of any term of years or life. The Protect the Presidency Act closes that gap, allowing prosecutors to pursue the maximum penalties available under federal law, including the death penalty.
"A failed assassin is still an assassin and should be treated as such under the law," said Rep. Gooden. "The harshest punishments should be on the table for those who try to murder the President."
The bill, featured in an exclusive article by the Washington Examiner, comes after the latest assassination attempt targeting President Trump at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, marking the third attempt in 21 months. The legislation eliminates leniency for failed attempts and strengthens deterrence against political violence.
Read the bill text here.
Under current federal law, killing the President is punishable by death or life in prison, while attempted assassination carries a lesser penalty of any term of years or life. The Protect the Presidency Act closes that gap, allowing prosecutors to pursue the maximum penalties available under federal law, including the death penalty.
"A failed assassin is still an assassin and should be treated as such under the law," said Rep. Gooden. "The harshest punishments should be on the table for those who try to murder the President."
The bill, featured in an exclusive article by the Washington Examiner, comes after the latest assassination attempt targeting President Trump at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, marking the third attempt in 21 months. The legislation eliminates leniency for failed attempts and strengthens deterrence against political violence.
Read the bill text here.
Lance Gooden published this content on May 08, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on May 08, 2026 at 14:34 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]