Lower Bucks Today

In response to recent looting incidents in Philadelphia, House Republicans have introduced a legislative package aimed at curbing such activities. The proposed measures seek to increase penalties for looters, strengthen juvenile curfews, address social media coordination of criminal activities, and enhance penalties for looting state property.

House Republican Leader Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster) expressed strong disapproval of the recent events, stating, “The uncontrolled looting and violence we saw in Philadelphia recently was more than unacceptable: It was disastrous and disgusting.” He emphasized the need for safe communities as essential for neighborhood growth and prosperity.

One of the bills, introduced by Rep. K.C. Tomlinson (R-Bucks), targets individuals who use social media to incite criminal behavior. Tomlinson remarked on the risks posed by such actions: “Coordinating this kind of behavior only exacerbates the risk to public safety and the unchecked lawlessness we saw on the streets of Philadelphia last week.”

Rep. Martina White (R-Philadelphia) plans to introduce legislation specifically penalizing looting as a distinct crime. She noted that recent events have shown looting to be a deliberate act requiring specific legal recognition: “It is time our criminal laws reflect this type of behavior and the state specifically criminalize looting to deter future planning and incidents of looting.”

Additionally, Tomlinson will propose legislation aimed at reinforcing youth curfews by enabling police action against juveniles violating curfew with criminal intent. She stated, “Looting is primarily perpetrated by youth... allowing the arrest and detention of those offenders who are breaking curfew with the clear and obvious intention of committing crimes will stand as a preventative tool.”

Recognizing that nearly 20 liquor stores were affected during the recent unrest, Rep. Joe Hogan (R-Bucks) announced plans for legislation enhancing penalties for looting state-owned properties like liquor stores. Hogan commented on the issue: “We must make sure that people know state-owned property, and specifically liquor stores, are off limits for those who seek to only bring harm and chaos to their communities.”

Media contacts include Joe Szymanski for Reps. Tomlinson and Hogan, Dave Foster for Rep. White, and Jason Gottesman for Republican Leader Bryan Cutler.