Killing or Attempting to Kill a Federal Officer or Employee is a federal offense that is punishable under federal law. This crime can be divided into two categories: first-degree murder and attempted murder. First-degree murder, also known as premeditated murder, occurs when someone intentionally causes the death of a federal officer or employee with malice aforethought. This offense requires that the defendant had a plan to commit the killing and acted with the intent to kill. Attempted murder occurs when someone attempts to cause the death of a federal officer or employee, but the attempt fails. This offense requires that the defendant had the intent to kill the victim and made a substantial step towards carrying out the killing. Both first-degree murder and attempted murder are serious offenses that can result in life imprisonment or even the death penalty.