Retired Riverside Police Chief Tom Weitzel has renewed his call for the federalization of police killings, urging former President Donald Trump to champion the cause. Weitzel argues that the current system, where such crimes are primarily prosecuted under state law, lacks uniformity and fails to provide adequate support for the families of fallen officers.

In an interview with Fox News Digital, Weitzel highlighted the alarming rise in ambush attacks on police officers in recent years, citing instances of officers being shot in their patrol cars and targeted through fake 911 calls. He stressed the need for a consistent national standard in investigating and prosecuting these crimes.

While federal penalties currently exist for killing officers under specific circumstances, such as when the act is intended to influence or retaliate against official duties and involves interstate commerce, Weitzel believes a broader federal law is necessary. He argues that this would ensure consistent treatment and provide greater resources for investigations, regardless of the state where the crime occurs.

Weitzel, who himself survived an ambush attack, has been advocating for this change for several years, reaching out to both the Biden and Trump administrations, as well as state legislators. He recently sent another letter to Trump, hoping to capitalize on the former president's stated support for law enforcement. Weitzel believes a federal law would offer solace to families and ensure that justice is served uniformly across the nation.

He pointed to an unsolved police murder in the Chicago suburbs as an example of why an outside agency with standardized procedures is sometimes needed. Weitzel emphasized that his call for federal involvement is not a criticism of local law enforcement but rather a plea for consistent, high-quality investigations nationwide.

FBI data reveals a significant increase in officer fatalities between 2020 and 2023, with nearly 200 officers killed in the line of duty. Chicago, in particular, experienced several officer deaths in the past year, further emphasizing the urgency of the issue.

Weitzel hopes that Trump, with his proclaimed commitment to law and order, will be receptive to the proposal and work towards enacting legislation to federalize the killing of police officers.