West Lucas News

Representatives Jack Daniels (R-New Franklin) and Josh Williams (R-Sylvania Township) have introduced new legislation in Ohio aimed at increasing penalties for politically motivated violence. The bill comes after the recent murders of political commentator Charlie Kirk and Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman, which have highlighted concerns about a rise in attacks against individuals based on their political beliefs or affiliations.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the Kirk and Hortman families and any person who has fell victim to political violence. Political violence is unacceptable in all circumstances—whether directed at elected officials, staff, journalists, or activists peacefully exercising their First Amendment rights," said Rep. Daniels. "This bill sends a clear message: Violence has no place in our politics."

“We must honor Charlie’s memory not with silence, but with action,” said Rep. Williams. “Violence based on political beliefs is a direct threat to our democracy, and this legislation ensures that such violence is punished to the fullest extent of the law.”

Key provisions of the proposed legislation include elevating politically motivated murder to aggravated murder, which would carry a mandatory sentence of life without parole and make the crime eligible for the death penalty. The bill also establishes a political motivation specification that can be added to any violent felony charge; if applied, it requires both a mandatory maximum sentence for the underlying offense as well as an additional 10-year mandatory sentence related to the specification.

The bill is currently awaiting assignment of a number and committee placement.