Queens, NY – New York State Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato introduced new legislation in response to the chaos and disruption that has skyrocketed during the recent wave of unauthorized protests throughout New York. The Assemblywoman’s bill, A.8951, would create a new section of law that when a person (or persons) deliberately block a bridge, tunnel or public road, they are engaging in an act of domestic terrorism, a Class D Felony.

In recent months irresponsible and often rambunctious protests have erupted throughout New York seriously impacting the lives of residents. The recent examples include the protesters who descended onto the Brooklyn, Manhattan and Williamsburg bridges, blocked the Holland Tunnel, clogged the road to JFK Airport, and other unauthorized protests. “This is a matter of public safety,” said Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato. “I believe in the First Amendment, and while people have the right to protest, they do not have the right to cause fear, panic and put the lives of other people in danger. There are procedures for people to organize and protest, and I fully support someone getting a permit and making their voice heard. However, you cannot just unlawfully assemble in an area and hinder someone's ability to get from Point A to Point B. What if an emergency vehicle needed to get through? This flippant disregard for others is not acceptable and there needs to be accountability for actions,” said Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato.

The bill is currently in the New York State Assembly Codes Committee.