TL/DR –
Gabriel Torres, a Raleigh police officer who was killed in a mass shooting while on his way to work, will have his family receive additional benefits due to a bipartisan push to close a loophole that had initially prevented them from receiving these benefits. This push resulted in the Officer Gabe Torres Act which expands the eligibility of public safety workers for death benefits when they’re killed on their way to work. The bill is still in committee.
Family of Slain Raleigh Officer to Receive Additional Benefits
Raleigh police officer Gabriel Torres’ family is set to receive additional benefits, according to the Raleigh Police Protective Association. Torres was one of five victims killed in a mass shooting incident by a suspected 15-year-old gunman in the Hedingham neighborhood. His death was initially not classified as a line of duty death as he was en route to work, limiting the benefits his family could access.
Bipartisan efforts were made last year to rectify this loophole. The resultant Officer Gabe Torres Act expanded eligibility for public safety workers to receive death benefits if they are killed while traveling to work. This bill is currently under committee review.
Copyright © 2024 WTVD-TV. All Rights Reserved.
—
Read More US News; North Carolina News