Senator Tom Croci Announces Passage of Bill by Senate to Increase Penalties for Assaults Against Members of the Military

Media Contacts:                                                                                                                               

Christine Geed, Communications Specialist

geed@nysenate.gov or (631) 398-8044

Jennifer Romero, Press Secretary

jromero@nysenate.gov or (631) 513-5657

PRESS RELEASE

Tuesday, May 3, 2016

For Immediate Release

Albany, NY - Senator Thomas Croci (R, C, I – Sayville) and the New York State Senate today passed legislation to further protect the men and women who protect our country from violent criminals.  The bill strengthens criminal penalties to help prevent members of the military from being targeted and assaulted while performing their important work.

“Our uniformed service members, active reserve, and national guard alike, volunteered to serve and protect our safety and freedom,” said Senator Tom Croci.  “Too often we hear of horrific acts of aggression against them.  This bill is our opportunity and responsibility to protect these men and women in uniform by ensuring that any assault on them will be met with the highest level of punishment the law allows.  I urge my colleagues in the Assembly and the Governor to expeditiously pass this legislation and show the brave men and women who serve our Country that we have their backs just the way they have ours.”

Senator Croci’s bill would create a new crime for those who assault members of the military or reserves. Similar to the protections afforded to police officers, firefighters, peace officers and emergency medical technicians, the bill would create a Class C felony for those found guilty of targeting and assaulting members of the military and reserves to prevent them from working to protect the public.

The bill will be sent to the Assembly.

All media inquiries should be directed to Senator Croci’s Communications Specialist, Christine Geed at (631) 398-8044 (call or text) or via email at geed@nysenate.gov.  Inquiries for additional information should be directed to Senator Croci’s Press Secretary, Jennifer Romero at (631) 513-5657 or via email at jromero@nysenate.gov

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