Revamped bill deems driving into a group of protesters an act of domestic terrorism

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Los Angeles Times

AUG. 30, 2017, 7:38 P.M.

Mina Corpuz


Driving into a group of protesters could be considered domestic terrorism in California.

A measure by Sen. Ricardo Lara (D-Bell Gardens) would consider the act an infringement on free speech and assembly.

Although it is already illegal to use a vehicle as a weapon, Lara said attacks against peaceful protesters need to be treated differently.

"California needs to be strong in defense of our constitutional rights and say there is no margin for error in a car vs. protester attack," he said in a statement. "Unless we act now these kinds of attacks could become more common."

Read more: http://www.latimes.com/politics/essential/la-pol-ca-essential-politics-updates-revamped-bill-considers-driving-into-a-1504138974-htmlstory.html

[stopbush]

1. If we keep passing laws like this in CA, the deplorables won't ever visit.

Our economy might collapse...

[Hoyt]

2. Let's hope, but didn't stop the white wingers when it was just regular old murder,

manslaughter, or whatever. It might make law enforcers like an Arpaio Light to work to prevent some of these actions by surveillance of white wing terrorists.

[More_Cowbell]

3. I understand the frustration with protesters

I live in northern California, and there have been many demonstrations where people marched onto freeways and not only stopped traffic but jumped on buses and cars, rocking them and scaring the people in them.

I've been scared enough that I would try to drive around protesters, too.

But the neoNazis are planning to drive into protesters. They're making this tactic part of their campaigns. This can't be condoned, in my opinion.

[riversedge]

4. 6 other states have introduced similiar bills

..............In the last year in other countries there have been a number of terrorist attacks using vehicles.

Anyone who uses a motor vehicle to kill or injure a group expressing a political position could face two to four years in state prison, according to the California bill.

If someone dies or is seriously injured, the driver could face life in prison without the possibility of parole or 25 years to life in state jail.

People who drive away from violence “in reasonable fear” and officers who use a motor vehicle “in a safe and reasonable manner” to direct crowds and respond to emergencies are exempt from charges under the proposal.

Lara's bill is a late entrant in the legislative debate, quickly cobbled together two weeks before the year's session ends.

Legislators in Florida, North Carolina, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Tennessee and Texas have introduced similar bills.

[7962]

5. And "reasonable fear" could be a wide loophole.

An elderly woman may rightfully become fearful well before a 22 yr old.
People jump on my car, hit it, etc, I'll drive right thru them & worry about it later.
Ones right to protest does not include impeding anothers right to move about or feel safe. The minority view here, I'm sure.

[oneshooter]

6. They could also make it a felony to block

the free flow of traffic on a roadway, without a parade permit.