18 U.S.C. § 1114 – Protection of Officers and Employees of the United States
This statute makes it a federal crime to kill or attempt to kill federal officers, employees, or those assisting them.
What this statute does.
Section 1114 criminalizes killing or attempting to kill officers or employees of the United States, including members of the uniformed services, when the act occurs during or because of the performance of official duties.
The statute also protects any person assisting a federal officer or employee in the performance of those duties.
Covered victims.
Protection extends to:
- Federal officers and employees in any branch of government
- Members of the uniformed services
- Individuals assisting federal officers or employees
The statute applies whether the act occurs while duties are being performed or in retaliation for official conduct.
Penalty structure.
Section 1114 does not create its own sentencing scheme. Instead, penalties are determined by reference to the underlying offense:
- Murder: punished under 18 U.S.C. § 1111
- Manslaughter: punished under 18 U.S.C. § 1112
- Attempted murder or manslaughter: punished under 18 U.S.C. § 1113
This makes § 1114 a victim-protection statute that elevates jurisdiction and ties punishment to existing homicide provisions.
Extraterritorial reach.
The statute expressly provides for extraterritorial jurisdiction. Conduct occurring outside the United States may still be prosecuted if it targets protected federal personnel.
If you are under investigation or facing charges involving harm to a federal officer or employee, call (314) 900-HELP or
contact our federal criminal defense attorneys.
