State Senator April Weaver, R-Brierfield, announced Monday that she has filed new legislation to make “interference with a first responder” a Class A misdemeanor in Alabama.
According to an official press release, Weaver introduced Senate Bill 293 in response to the “chaotic civil unrest and violence” she has seen in Minnesota in the wake of Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s, ICE, killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti last month—unrest and violence which Weaver appears to attribute not to ICE, but to those protesting ICE’s actions.
“When our brave first responders are carrying out their duties, they shouldn’t have to worry about zealous agitators or bad actors interfering of inciting trouble,” Weaver said. “This bill makes it clear that when first responders instruct you to back off, refusing to do so will win you a free ride to jail in the back of a police cruiser while wearing a shiny pair of handcuffs.”
Under Weaver’s bill, an individual could be charged with “interference with a first responder” if they remain within 25 feet of a first responder after being told to vacate the area and impede, threaten or touch the first responder in any manner. As a Class A misdemeanor, the crime would be punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $6,000.
Following the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in January, it has been reported that the federal agents involved in both shootings actively prevented medics and licensed physicians from treating the victim’s injuries on the scene. Weaver did not immediately respond to APR when asked whether she believes that those federal agents should face legal consequences for their actions.
Weaver also did not clarify why her bill mandates that an individual be more than 25 feet away from a first responder to avoid being charged with “interference.”
SB293 is now set to be considered by the Alabama Senate Judiciary Committee.
