H.R. 7439 establishes uniform standards for when federal law enforcement officers can use deadly force, limiting it to situations where the officer reasonably believes force is necessary to prevent imminent death or serious bodily injury to themselves or others. The bill specifically prohibits using deadly force solely to stop a fleeing suspect, disable a moving vehicle, or prevent harm to property or self-harm, and adds strict conditions for firing at moving vehicles—such as only when someone in the vehicle is actively threatening with deadly force or when the driver poses an imminent threat with no other defensive options available. The legislation requires federal officers to give verbal warnings before using deadly force when it is practical to do so without increasing danger, and bans warning shots except in federal prisons. The bill also directs the Attorney General to develop training programs for federal law enforcement officers on alternative tactics and methods to use in situations where deadly force is prohibited. This requirement applies to all federal law enforcement officers as defined under federal law, including immigration officers.
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