You're absolutely right TY. There is no difference per se. Both acts are equally reprehensible.
But this country debates the death penalty... and places where they are loathe to try criminals with the death penalty 'on the table' for political reasons, have shown their true desire by approving the death penalty for the killing of law officers.
I'm not saying yea or nay, regarding the death penalty... but that's the way it is... kill a cop, you die. Kill someone else...
It's just an excuse... if you're willing to kill a cop, we don't want to give you a chance to do it again.
It goes to the very core of that issue.