Matson joins lawmakers introducing bill that increases penalties for attempted murder of police
Two southern Minnesota lawmakers introduced legislation Thursday that would increase the minimum sentence for attempted murder of a police officer, inspired by Waseca officer Arik Matson, who was nearly killed after being shot in the head while on duty last January
Matson joins lawmakers introducing bill that increases penalties for attempted murder of police By Lauren Andrego and Gage Cureton | January 14, 2021 at 7:53 PM CST - Updated January 14 at 7:56 PM
ST. PAUL, Minn. (KEYC) One year and eight days after a night they will never forget, the Matson family takes one step closer to justice.
Minnesota Senator Proposes Upping Penalties for Injuring Cops
John Jasinski, District 24 Minnesota State Senator from Faribault wants to increase penalties for injuring law enforcement officers. Senator Jasinski will be holding a news conference Thursday along with others to outline the proposed legislation.
Jasinski will be joined by State Representative John Petersburg of Waseca, Waseca Police Officer Arik Matson, Megan Matson, Minnesota Police and Protection Officers Association (MPPOA) Executive Director Brian Peters and Waseca County Attorney Rachel Corneilus.
Last January Matson was severely injured while responding to a call in Waseca when he was shot in the head. He is still undergoing therapy in an attempt to recover from the brain injury caused by the bullet fired by a suspect he and other Waseca Police were attempting to apprehend.
MN lawmakers want to increase penalties for attempted murder of law enforcement
Officer Arik Matson
Posted: Jan 14, 2021 12:31 PM
Updated: Jan 14, 2021 5:47 PM
Posted By: Mike Bunge
ST. PAUL, Minn. – A new bill at the Minnesota Legislature would toughen the penalties for attempted 1st degree murder of a member of law enforcement.
State Senator John Jasinski of Faribault and State Representative John Petersburg of Waseca say their legislation would increase the maximum sentence for such crimes from 20 years to life in prison, and would require a minimum of 30 years be served before being eligible for release.
The bill was presented at a press conference Thursday, where the state lawmakers were joined by Officer Arik Matson, a Waseca police officer who was nearly killed in the line of duty last January, as well as Officer Matson’s wife Megan and Waseca County Attorney Rachel Cornelius.
Sen. John Jasinski, R-Faribault, and Rep. John Petersburg, R-Waseca, unveiled a new bill that would increase the minimum penalty for attempted first-degree murder of a police officer, judge, prosecutor or correctional officer to a life sentence .
Aric Matson and his wife Megan stood at a podium today at the Minnesota Senate Building in St. Paul. A year ago the Waseca Policeman was battling for his life. Matson was shot in the head while responding to a call in Waseca January 6, 2020.
A news conference was held by State Senator John Jasinski (R-Faribault) and Representative John Petersburg (R-Waseca) to introduce a bill named after Matson to increase penalties against individuals convicted of attempted first degree murder of a police officer.
Judges, prosecutors and correctional officers are also included.
Megan Matson told those gathered, As a couple we believe that there is a purpose to why the Lord chose Aric that night. We are turning a tragic event that happened to our family into something purposeful. With the Lord by our side we listen to him and he guides and provides for us.