Ohio Senator Bernie Moreno Introduces "Larry Henderson Act" to Toughen Penalties for Assaulting Law Enforcement Officers

Legislation honors slain sheriff’s deputy and seeks to deter violence against police with federal minimum sentencing

COLUMBUS, OH — May 12, 2025 — In the wake of a deadly attack on a sheriff’s deputy in Cincinnati earlier this month, Ohio freshman U.S. Senator Bernie Moreno (R-OH) has introduced legislation that would significantly increase the criminal penalties for harming law enforcement officers. Named the “Larry Henderson Act”, the bill is designed to serve both as a tribute to the fallen deputy and as a tough-on-crime deterrent to those who threaten public servants.

The legislation is named after Hamilton County Sheriff’s Deputy Larry Henderson, who was tragically killed in the line of duty on May 2 while directing traffic near the University of Cincinnati. The 58-year-old deputy and 33-year veteran of the force was struck and killed by a vehicle allegedly driven with intent by Rodney Hinton, who is now facing charges of aggravated murder. The incident occurred just moments after Hinton’s teenage son was shot and killed by police during an unrelated confrontation.

Senator Moreno, who took office in January, said the brutal nature of Henderson’s death exemplifies the urgent need for federal protections that go beyond the patchwork of state and local laws. “Enough is enough,” Moreno said in a statement released over the weekend. “Anyone who assaults one of our men or women in blue needs to face severe consequences, period. Deputy Larry Henderson should be alive today, and that’s why I’m introducing legislation—in his honor—to protect our law enforcement officers.”

A Federal Response to a Rising Threat

The Larry Henderson Act would establish a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for anyone convicted of assaulting a law enforcement officer in a manner that causes serious bodily injury or death. Current federal law allows for a range of one to eight years for such offenses, depending on circumstances. Moreno’s bill would also make federal jurisdiction exclusive in cases where local prosecution might be insufficient or compromised.

By creating a uniform federal standard, Moreno aims to ensure that no law enforcement officer is left unprotected due to jurisdictional gaps or lenient state-level laws. “This is about justice, deterrence, and respect,” Moreno added. “We ask these officers to stand between us and danger every single day. The least we can do is stand up for them when they are targeted.”

Supporters of the legislation argue that violence against police officers has increased in recent years, with ambush-style attacks and deliberate targeting on the rise. According to data from the FBI, 60 law enforcement officers were feloniously killed in the line of duty in 2023—up from 46 in 2019.

A Legacy of Service and Sacrifice

Deputy Larry Henderson was remembered by colleagues and officials across Ohio as a steady and compassionate public servant. Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey of Hamilton County described him as “a mentor and friend who brought humanity and professionalism to every call.” She added, “His ability to relate to and touch officers’ lives was extraordinary. We will continue to honor Larry’s life of service.”

His death sent shockwaves through the law enforcement community and has galvanized calls for stronger protections. Multiple Ohio police organizations and sheriff’s associations have voiced support for Moreno’s proposal. The bill is expected to be introduced formally in the Senate this week, and early reports indicate it may attract bipartisan backing, particularly among lawmakers from rural and law enforcement-heavy districts.

Still, civil liberties organizations have raised concerns about the broader implications of federalizing more criminal offenses and mandating minimum sentences. Some groups have argued that such measures could contribute to over-incarceration and remove important judicial discretion. Senator Moreno acknowledged these concerns but stood firm in his defense of the bill. “This is targeted, narrow, and necessary. If you kill a cop, you should never walk free again.”

Political Implications and National Spotlight

Moreno’s high-profile proposal marks an assertive early move for the freshman senator, who campaigned on a platform of restoring law and order and strengthening American institutions. With rising national attention on attacks against police and first responders, the “Larry Henderson Act” could serve as a foundational piece of legislation defining Moreno’s tenure.

The senator’s office confirmed that draft language of the bill had been shared with several Senate colleagues, and early feedback has been “overwhelmingly positive.” Moreno said he plans to work closely with law enforcement organizations and families of fallen officers to refine the bill and rally public support.

In the coming weeks, Moreno is expected to host a series of roundtable discussions with law enforcement leaders across Ohio to promote the legislation and build consensus. A memorial service for Deputy Henderson is scheduled for later this month, and several federal lawmakers—including Senator Moreno—are expected to attend.

For Moreno, the message is clear: “Deputy Henderson gave his life serving his community. We owe it to his memory—and to every officer who puts on a badge—to do everything in our power to prevent the next tragedy.”

Fox News. (2025, May 11). ‘Enough is enough’: GOP senator unleashes bill with severe consequences for harming police. https://www.foxnews.com/politics/enough-is-enough-gop-senator-unleashes-bill-with-severe-consequences-harming-police

Federal Bureau of Investigation. (2024). Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) Program: 2023 Report. https://www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/leoka

WLWT5 Cincinnati. (2025, May 3). Sheriff’s deputy killed while directing traffic remembered for ‘lifelong commitment’. https://www.wlwt.com/article/deputy-killed-directing-traffic-remembered-larry-henderson/60743182

Moreno, B. (2025, May 11). Official statement on the introduction of the Larry Henderson Act. https://www.moreno.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/larry-henderson-act

Sheriff’s Office of Hamilton County. (2025, May 4). Statement on the passing of Deputy Larry Henderson. https://www.hcso.org/newsroom/henderson-tribute