Gottheimer introduces bipartisan anti-doxxing bill to protect law enforcement officers and families
MIDLAND PARK BOROUGH, N.J. (Bergen County) — U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer announced bipartisan legislation during National Police Week aimed at protecting law enforcement officers, prosecutors and judges from online doxxing threats while also expanding youth outreach programs through Police Athletic Leagues.
Gottheimer, D-N.J., introduced the “Stop the Doxx Act” alongside Reps. Don Bacon, R-Nebraska, and Elise Stefanik, R-New York. Gottheimer also announced the National Police Athletic/Activities League Reauthorization Act with Rep. John Rutherford, R-Florida.
The proposed “Stop the Doxx Act” would make it a federal crime to knowingly publish personal information of federal, state or local law enforcement officers, prosecutors, judges or their immediate family members with intent to threaten, intimidate or facilitate violence.
The legislation would establish prison penalties, not just fines, with increased penalties if the conduct results in bodily injury or death. The bill also would create a national training program to help officers and public servants better protect personal information online and understand their rights if information is leaked.
“You can’t protect our communities if you can’t protect the people who sacrifice so much for us,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer. “Doxxing isn’t harmless online behavior. It is targeted intimidation against the people who keep our families safe, and the law has simply not kept up with the threat. We must always get the backs of those who risk their lives every day to protect us, and that means making sure they and their families are safe both on the job and at home.”
“Those who protect our communities and uphold the rule of law deserve protection from threats, intimidation, and violence,” said Congressman Don Bacon. “The Stop the Doxx Act makes clear that weaponizing personal information against law enforcement, prosecutors, judges, or their families is unacceptable and must carry real consequences. With threats and intimidation against these public servants continuing to rise, this legislation is needed now. I look forward to working with Rep. Gottheimer to get this bipartisan legislation signed into law.”
Officials said more than 11.7 million American adults have experienced doxxing, including incidents involving law enforcement officers’ home addresses, photographs of family members and threats posted online.
According to Gottheimer’s office, only 19 states currently have anti-doxxing protections for public officials. New Jersey enacted Daniel’s Law in 2020 after the son of a federal judge was killed at the family’s home.
The PAL Reauthorization Act would provide grants to establish Police Athletic League chapters that connect law enforcement officers with youth through sports, mentoring and educational programs.
“As a lifelong member of law enforcement and former sheriff, I saw firsthand the amazing work the Police Athletic League of Jacksonville (JaxPAL) did in our community,” said Congressman John Rutherford. “For more than 80 years, this organization has helped build relationships between young Americans and law enforcement that has led to safer, more connected communities. That’s why I am proud to join Rep. Gottheimer to introduce the National Police Athletic/Activities League Youth Enrichment Reauthorization Act.”
Supporters of the legislation included law enforcement organizations and prosecutors from New Jersey.
“The New Jersey State PBA applauds Congressman Gottheimer for proposing legislation to criminalize the doxxing of law enforcement officers. Intentionally releasing a law enforcement officer’s address for the purpose of threatening or murdering them is a heinous violation of the peace,” said Peter Andreyev, president of the New Jersey State Policemen’s Benevolent Association. “This is National Police Week where we remember and celebrate the lives, service and bravery of the thousands of law enforcement officers who have been killed in the line of duty since our nation’s founding. Congressman Gottheimer’s proposal is a common sense approach to prevent more names from being added to the Memorial Wall in Washington.”
“Protecting those who protect our communities is a fundamental responsibility of our legal system. Congressman Gottheimer’s leadership in making the doxxing of law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and judges a federal crime is a critical step toward ensuring that those on the front lines of justice can do their jobs without fear of targeted violence or intimidation against themselves and their families,” said Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella. “A national training program to help public servants understand their rights and protect their personal information online would be both practical and proactive. By establishing strict federal penalties and providing vital training resources, this initiative reinforces the shield that guards our public servants in an increasingly digital world.”
“The STFA leadership thanks Congressman Gottheimer for his constant guardianship of our members and all of the men and women who serve on the front lines protecting our communities. The crime of doxxing presents a new intricate and technological threat to our law enforcement officers and their families and we applaud Congressman Gottheimer for addressing this threat head on,” said Wayne Blanchard, president of the State Troopers Fraternal Association. “This bill will hold those accountable who commit these cowardly threats on troopers and officers by doxxing with stiff criminal penalties, while providing training for law enforcement officers to keep themselves safe from these threats along with strong jurisdictional oversight of this issue.”
Officials said there are more than 200 PAL chapters nationwide, including 15 in New Jersey communities such as Northvale, Bergenfield and Vernon Township.
