Abbott proposes jail sentences for rioters and those who finance them

Epoch Times:

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Thursday unveiled a slate of legislative proposals that would up penalties for being involved in or helping financially aid riots, including an automatic jail sentence of at least six months for those who strike law enforcement officers.

“Today, we are announcing more legislative proposals to do even more to protect our law enforcement officers as well as do more to keep our community safe,” Abbott, a Republican, said at a press conference.

While the Constitution guarantees the right to peacefully assembly, it does not provide the right to riot, the governor said.

“Texas will always defend the First Amendment right to peacefully protest but Texas is not going to tolerate violence, vandalism, or rioting,” he added.

The proposals would make causing injury or destroying property in a riot, blocking hospital entrances or exits, or using fireworks during protests or riots, a felony offense with mandatory jail time.

Striking a law enforcement officer during a riot would land the offender a mandatory jail sentence of at least six months. People convicted of using lasers against officers would face mandatory jail time.

And aiding or abetting riots with either funds or organizational assistance would bring mandatory jail time. That proposal would also give the state attorney general the power to pursue civil penalties against both people and groups.

Abbott pointed to rioting that took place in Dallas in May and June and the recent blocking of a hospital entrance in Los Angeles after two sheriff’s deputies were shot in an unprovoked shooting.

The mandatory jail time would prevent people committing crimes from being released and going to commit more, according to officials.

“Criminals charged with these offenses must remain in jail, at least until their first court appearance,” Abbott said.

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This would avoid the kind of criminal abuse such as that in Portland, Seattle, and NY City.   With no bail before a court appearance, it would slow down the repeat offenders.  I would also refuse to allow bail for repeat offenders who go back to rioting after being released at a court appearance.