In the wake of the pro-Trump assault on the U.S. Capitol, an Arizona Republican lawmaker proposed a new crime be added to the state’s penal code.
Rep. Bret Roberts (R-Maricopa), criticizing the insurrection and the summer’s protests, says his bill would make it a crime for "violent or disorderly assembly,'' and create harsher penalties for certain protester actions.
“I would say at this point, it’s become the norm any time something happens where people are upset, we think it’s okay to go out and destroy property and things of that nature, and assault police officers and this kind of stuff," Roberts said.
Those that destroy property or have intent to engage in rioting could face felony charges under the new law.
No date has been set for consideration of the measure.
