New jersey lawmaker seeks to return police power back to cops during protests and riots

TRENTON, NJ—New Jersey lawmakers have introduced a comprehensive bill to address crimes committed during riots, significantly increasing penalties for various offenses. This legislative move follows a model similar to the “Combatting Violence, Disorder and Looting and Law Enforcement Protection Act” proposed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.

The bill was introduced by New Jersey Assemblyman Gregory P. McGuckin.

The bill amends several statutes within the New Jersey Criminal Code to enhance the severity of charges against individuals involved in riotous activities. Notably, N.J.S.A.2C:33-1 has been revised to classify rioting, involving six or more individuals causing property damage or injury, as a fourth-degree crime, punishable by up to 18 months in prison and fines reaching $10,000.

Additional amendments include elevating disorderly conduct in public accommodations during a riot to a fourth-degree crime and stiffening penalties for obstructing highways and desecrating venerated objects under similar circumstances. Furthermore, the legislation toughens the response to assaults during riots, with aggravated assault now considered a third-degree crime, carrying three to five years of imprisonment and potential fines up to $15,000.

A significant aspect of the bill introduces the crime of promotion of violent, disorderly assembly. This targets those organizing, financing, or managing the commission of crimes during riots, with penalties scaled one degree higher than the most serious underlying crime committed.

Moreover, if during a riot an object is thrown at or strikes a law enforcement officer, the bill mandates a minimum six-month imprisonment, eliminating the possibility of non-imprisonment typically available to first-time offenders of third-degree crimes.

This aggressive legislative effort underscores New Jersey’s commitment to maintaining public order and protecting both property and the community from riot-related violence.

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