NYC protesters who block traffic could face ‘domestic terrorism’ charges under new Dem-backed bill

New York City protesters who block traffic could be charged with “domestic terrorism” under a new proposed bill, the New York Post reported Saturday.

Democratic Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato recently introduced legislation, A.8951, which would make it a domestic act of terrorism, a class D felony, to block public roads, bridges, transportation facilities, and tunnels. Offenders could face a maximum sentence of seven years in prison.

Amato introduced the bill in response to a recent increase in anti-Israel protests that have obstructed traffic along the Brooklyn Bridge and other heavily trafficked areas. The legislation argued that blocking commuters could have dangerous consequences.

“The U.S. Constitution enshrines our right to freely assemble, which is a beautiful cornerstone of our democracy. However, when those who protest directly hinder the ability for pedestrians and motorists to freely move, impacting their ability to arrive at a location, or seek aid, that is unacceptable. The purposeful blocking of bridges, tunnels and road-ways which results in cars being stopped, sick people not being able to get medical attention, or any attempt to prevent innocent people from getting from Point A to Point B is not appropriate or fair - in fact it is flat out dangerous,” the legislation stated.

“This bill 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, which shall be deemed a class D felony. 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,” it added.

Last month, anti-Israel demonstrators blocked the entrances to the Holland Tunnel and three East River bridges, ABC News reported. According to New York Police Department Chief of Patrol John Chell, 325 people were arrested.

“In lieu of summons, many protesters will face misdemeanor charges with a desk appearance ticket,” Chell stated.

Republican candidate Tom Sullivan is running to replace Amato. The assemblywoman defeated Sullivan in 2022 by just 15 votes. Republican Councilwoman Joann Ariola warned that Amato’s new bill could be an attempt to win over more conservative voters.

“[The bill] sounds great, but let’s just hope this isn’t the legislative version of a photo op. Well meaning, but no substance and all for show,” Ariola told the Post.

Democratic Assemblyman Sam Berger is currently the bill’s only co-sponsor.

“This is a matter of public safety,” Amato said, according to the Rockaway Times. “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.”

In a post on X, Amato called for a New York City judge to be removed following the judge’s decision not to detain several illegal migrants who were recently accused of brutally assaulting two NYPD officers.

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