Governor Chris Sununu Vetoes Death Penalty Repeal

Statement

Today, Governor Chris Sununu vetoed HB 455, relative to the penalty for capital murder, at the Michael Briggs Community Center at the Manchester Police Athletic League, surrounded by law enforcement, the family of the late officer Michael Briggs, and advocates for justice.

"New Hampshire has always shown prudence and responsibility in its application of the death penalty," said Governor Chris Sununu. "This bill is an injustice to not only Officer Briggs and his family, but to law enforcement and victims of violent crime around the state. God Bless Officer Briggs and his family."

"I want to thank the Governor on behalf of the law enforcement community for his commitment for men and women in blue," said Manchester Police Chief Carlo Capano at today's ceremony. "It's important the that Governor is here today in Manchester for this event, he's standing just two blocks from where Officer Michael Briggs answered his last call. For your support Governor, I want to thank you and on behalf on this entire room I want to thank you for the commitment and everything you've done for law enforcement, we can't tell you how much we appreciate that."

"If a repeal occurs, there will be no penalty for murdering a police officer," said Mark Chase, President of the New Hampshire Chiefs of Police Association at today's veto ceremony. "The New Hampshire Chief's Police Association finds that unacceptable."

"Governor Sununu, we in New Hampshire law enforcement want to thank you for standing with us and the citizens of New Hampshire, on our behalf and with signing the veto this morning on this repeal bill," said Hillsborough County Sheriff James Hardy at today's ceremony. "I respectfully ask on behalf of New Hampshire law enforcement officers that the legislators, the member of House and Senate respectfully take a second look at the issue and maintain the current law.

"New Hampshire is one of the safest states in the country, and we'd like to keep it that way," said Marc Beaudoin, President of the New Hampshire Troopers Association at today's ceremony. "We support Governor Sununu in his effort to maintain the safety here in the State and we stand behind him one hundred percent."

Source