Us Code § 1121 - Killing persons aiding Federal investigations or State correctional officers

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 1121 — Killing persons aiding Federal investigations or State correctional officers, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 1121. Killing persons aiding Federal investigations or State correctional officers

(a) Whoever intentionally kills—

(1) a State or local official, law enforcement officer, or other officer or employee while working with Federal law enforcement officials in furtherance of a Federal criminal investigation—

(A) while the victim is engaged in the performance of official duties;

(B) because of the performance of the victim's official duties; or

(C) because of the victim's status as a public servant; or


(2) any person assisting a Federal criminal investigation, while that assistance is being rendered and because of it,


shall be sentenced according to the terms of section 1111, including by sentence of death or by imprisonment for life.

(b)(1) Whoever, in a circumstance described in paragraph (3) of this subsection, while incarcerated, intentionally kills any State correctional officer engaged in, or on account of the performance of such officer's official duties, shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment which shall not be less than 20 years, and may be sentenced to life imprisonment or death.

(2) As used in this section, the term, "State correctional officer" includes any officer or employee of any prison, jail, or other detention facility, operated by, or under contract to, either a State or local governmental agency, whose job responsibilities include providing for the custody of incarcerated individuals.

(3) The circumstance referred to in paragraph (1) is that—

(A) the correctional officer is engaged in transporting the incarcerated person interstate; or

(B) the incarcerated person is incarcerated pursuant to a conviction for an offense against the United States.


(c) For the purposes of this section, the term "State" means a State of the United States, the District of Columbia, and any commonwealth, territory, or possession of the United States.

(Added Pub. L. 103–322, title VI, §60015(a), Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 1974; amended Pub. L. 104–294, title VI, §607(k), Oct. 11, 1996, 110 Stat. 3512.)


Editorial Notes

Amendments

1996—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 104–294 added subsec. (c).

About This Section

18 U.S.C. § 1121 is part of Title 18 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.

This section may be cited in legal writing as 18 U.S.C. § 1121. For the most current official text, including any recent amendments, use the official source links below. Do not rely on this page as the sole authority for legal citation or litigation.

How to Read This Statute

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Sources

Source: official Us Code text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 1121

What does United States Code § 1121 cover?

Section 1121 ("Killing persons aiding Federal investigations or State correctional officers") is part of the United States Code, the codified statutory law of Us Code. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Us Code § 1121?

A common citation format is "United States Code § 1121" (Us Code). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Us Code law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Us Code official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Us Code attorney.

How does Us Code § 1121 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Us Code can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Us Code.