Florida Republicans Sen. Blaise Ingoglia and Rep. Jeff Holcomb have filed similar bills that seek to impose the death penalty on those who attempt to assassinate a head of state under certain circumstances.
The bills, SB 776 and HB 653, propose adding provisions to Florida’s capital felony laws, making it a capital offense when crimes are committed against key government figures, including the president or vice president of the United States or any state governor.
The move comes in response to the 2024 assassination attempt on GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump at a Pennsylvania rally. The attack left one attendee dead and two others critically injured, heightening concerns over the safety of political leaders.
Ingoglia cited this event as justification for the proposed law.
“Any attempts on the lives of heads of state or innocent bystanders, on Florida soil, should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, including the death penalty,” Ingoglia, from Spring Hill, said in a joint press release. “As one of the strongest law and order states in the union, Florida is going to lead on this issue because the most serious and heinous crimes should be punishable with the ultimate penalty.”
Rep. Holcomb, also from Spring Hill, connected the proposal to national security concerns.
“This bill will ensure a capital sentence on a horrendous act aiming to rob heads of state of their safety and well-being,” Holcomb said. “Florida should not tolerate such cowardly acts.”
While the legislation is intended to deter attacks against high-profile political figures, it has sparked debate among students.
According to the Death Penalty Information Center, Florida is among the top states in the country for executions but has also had one of the nation’s highest numbers of death row exonerations.
Critics argue that Florida’s existing laws already impose severe penalties for capital crimes and question whether the legislation is necessary.
Latonia Thomas, a fourth year occupational therapy major any FAMU, says this move feels like a hierarchical move rather than for the betterment of society.
“They’re basically making it seem like officials lives are more glorious than others when in reality they’re just public servants,” Thomas said. “Until we address the fact that our president is a criminal, they shouldn’t be doing these harsh rules on others.”
Others say attempted assassination is bigger than just carrying out an act of violence.
Kiera Carlton, a graduate student, says these kinds of acts should be treated as such.
“Regardless of how we feel, attempted assassination is a form of treason,” Carlton said. “It needs serious repercussions.”
As the bills moves through the legislative process, lawmakers will have to weigh concerns over constitutional challenges, the potential deterrent effect, and the broader implications of expanding the death penalty in the state of Florida.
The proposed legislation would take effect on July 1 if passed.