US lawmaker to introduce legislation to increase penalties for assaulting police

By Diyar Guldogan

WASHINGTON (AA) - US Rep. Tony Gonzales said Monday that he will introduce legislation this week to take "severe action" against those who assault law enforcement personnel amid recent protests in Los Angeles.

The Curbing Offenses on Policing Services Act (COPS Act) aims to "increase jail time and civil fines for assaulting a law enforcement officer or interfering with the performance of their official duties."

"The chaos unleashed by rioters in Los Angeles this weekend is anything but a peaceful protest—it’s anarchy," Gonzales said in a statement.

The legislation also defines "explosive materials” such as fireworks or other combustible projectiles as dangerous or deadly weapons, according to the statement.

US President Donald Trump mobilized 4,000 National Guard to assist 700 Marines in response to the protests against his immigration policies in Los Angeles.

The protests began last Friday after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents raided local businesses and detained hundreds of people suspected of living in the US illegally.

California Governor Gavin Newsom slammed Trump's decision, saying it is not about public safety.

"It’s about stroking a dangerous President’s ego. This is Reckless. Pointless. And Disrespectful to our troops," he said on X.

Newsom said Trump is "trying to provoke chaos" by sending 4,000 soldiers onto American soil.

Earlier, he announced a lawsuit against Trump, saying the president's deployment of the National Guard was "illegal" and violated state sovereignty.