Firefighters observe buildings burning during protests and riots in Minneapolis after the death of George Floyd. | By Hungryogrephotos/Wikimedia Commons
Firefighters observe buildings burning during protests and riots in Minneapolis after the death of George Floyd. | By Hungryogrephotos/Wikimedia Commons
Rep. Lynn Afendoulis (R-Grand Rapids Township) has introduced two bills, House Bills 5900 and 5901, increasing the penalties for those convicted of looting and other forms of violence during protests under a designation called “social anarchy.”
“We simply cannot tolerate anarchy in our communities,” Afendoulis said on the Michigan House Republicans website. “It rips at the very things that make our country and state great: the sense of safety and an orderly society that Michiganders -- and Americans -- deserve. In Michigan, we believe in law and order, and we are sending a clear message to those who seek to riot, loot and destroy our communities: you will not get away with it.”
The move comes after the murder by police of George Floyd in Minneapolis in May and the nationwide looting and vandalism that occurred during the resulting protests.
Rep. Lynn Afendoulis
| Michigan House Republicans
Afendoulis believes that current Michigan state laws go easy on criminals accused of rioting and looting. Under her proposal, the penalties for “social anarchy” would become part of the state’s terrorism law and carry a maximum 20-year prison term and a fine of $250,000, or triple the amount of the damage caused.
“I am worried for our children who are constantly being exposed to anger, destruction, anarchy and hopelessness. We need to restore order, confidence and hope -- for our children and for the health of our communities,” Afendoulis said, according to Michigan House Republicans.
HB 5900 and 5901 are currently under consideration in House Judiciary Committee deliberations.
Alerts Sign-up