Minnesota Lawmaker Pushes for Harsher Penalties for Interfering with Paramedics

A Minnesota lawmaker is planning to introduce a bill that would increase penalties for interfering with paramedics. 

Republican State Representative Pat Garofalo of Farmington said Tuesday that he plans to introduce the “Public Safety Personnel Protection Act” during next year’s legislative session. 

Garofalo said in a statement that emergency responders “should not have to fear for their safety when responding to a medical emergency.”

The announcement comes on the heels of the fatal officer-involved shooting of Jamar Clark. 

Clark was shot in head on November 15 by police in Minneapolis. 

Police say Clark was a suspect in a domestic assault and was shot after allegedly interfering with paramedics who were trying to provide first aid to the victim.