Senator Boyle Introduces Legislation to Ban Sale of Machetes to Minors

New York State Senator Phil Boyle today announced the introduction of legislation that would prohibit the sale of machetes to minors at a joint press conference with Suffolk County Police Department Commissioner Tim Sini. This new legislation comes months after two teenage girls from Brentwood, 15-year-old Nisa Mickens and 16-year-old Kayla Cuevas, were brutally beaten and murdered by members of the MS-13 gang with machetes and baseball bats.

Senator Boyle said, “Many of us cannot fathom the idea of someone being attacked and murdered with a machete. Unfortunately, our law enforcement officials and prosecutors are seeing these heinous, gang-related crimes being committed more frequently here on Long Island. The legislation we are introducing today will limit the accessibly to these deadly weapons, keep them out of the hands on minors, and assist police in their efforts to reduce gang-related and other violent crimes. I commend Suffolk Police Commissioner Tim Sini, the Suffolk County Police Department, and their partners in Federal law enforcement on their tireless work to find justice for the families of Nisa Mickens and Kayla Cuevas, and their efforts in keeping our residents and communities safe.”

Suffolk County Police Commissioner Tim Sini said, “We are all too familiar with the heinous ways violent criminals can use machetes, box cutters, and other potential weapons that are easily purchased. Senator Boyle’s proposed bill is a positive step towards providing another tool for the Police Department to ensure public safety. I want to thank Senator Boyle for his leadership on this issue.”

Under the provisions of the bill (S5125), machetes would be added to the list of weapons (utility knives, box cutters, and box cart cutters) already banned for sale and distribution to anyone under eighteen years of age. Any person or store who violates this measure would be subject to a civil penalty. Currently in New York State, if someone is in possession of a machete – with intent to use unlawfully – it is a criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree.

Members of both Suffolk and Nassau County Police Department’s Gang Squads; Village of Hempstead Police Department’s Juvenile Aid Bureau and Gang Units; and the Nassau County Family Court Bureau Deputy Attorney Julia D’Agostino attended the press conference to support this important legislative measure. 

Julia D’Agostino, Nassau County Deputy Attorney for the Family Court Bureau said, “Machetes have become the weapon of choice for the most dangerous gangs in New York and particularly on Long Island. This legislation will go a long way in curbing the sale of these dangerous knives to minors and make our streets safer.”