Rep. Omar Introduces Bill Restricting No-Knock Warrants

WASHINGTON, D.C. — United States Rep. Ilhan Omar Tuesday introduced a bill to restrict the use of no-knock warrants on the federal level.

The proposal — titled the Amir Locke End Deadly No-Knock Warrants Act — is named after the 22-year-old man shot and killed by Minneapolis police in February during a no-knock raid.

"Far too often, no-knock warrants and raids have severe and deadly consequences, resulting in property damage, trauma, and death," Omar, a Democrat from Minneapolis said in a news release.

"It is unconscionable that no-knock warrants continue to be in effect with little to no restrictions, regulations, and regard for the impact on lives."

Omar's bill bans no-knock warrants in drug-related investigations, as well as quick-knock warrants, and all nighttime warrants. It also bans the use of flash-bang stun grenades, chemical weapons, and any military-grade firearm.

"The family of Amir Locke remains devastated by his senseless death, but we are very grateful to Representative Omar for introducing this legislation in the hopes that other families will not endure the same tragedy as ours," stated Karen Wells and Andre Locke, parents of Amir Locke.

"While the Amir Locke End Deadly No-Knock Warrants Act is not a complete ban, we support all efforts to restrict this dangerous and deadly practice to save even one other innocent life, and to hold law enforcement accountable when the service of warrants goes terribly wrong."