The Secure Takedown and Obstruction Prevention Act creates a new federal crime that makes it illegal to barricade oneself while evading arrest by federal law enforcement officers. The law defines barricading as taking a position in a location that prevents immediate police access and refusing to leave or comply with lawful orders when you know or should know law enforcement is trying to apprehend you. Anyone convicted of this offense faces up to 3 years in prison and fines, but the penalty increases to up to 5 years if the barricading creates serious physical harm risk, involves a deadly weapon, or traps an innocent third party inside the location. The bill also makes it illegal to assist or encourage someone else in committing this offense. Congress framed the legislation as a way to protect federal law enforcement officers from the dangers and resource drain caused by prolonged standoff situations.
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