New Gooden Bill Makes Assassination Attempts Eligible for Death Penalty

This press release from Representative Lance Gooden (R-TX) was published on 2026-05-08 and titled "New Gooden Bill Makes Assassination Attempts Eligible for Death Penalty".

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 .