Senator David Carlucci Introduces Nation Leading Legislation to Create Domestic Terrorism Law

Senator David Carlucci (D-Rockland/Westchester) has introduced nation-leading legislation (S.7277) to create a domestic terrorism statue, which includes mass violence motivated by hate.

The legislation amends New York’s penal code by expanding what constitutes a charge of terrorism. Now a person can be charged with a state-level felony for an act of terrorism if they use a gun or knife to attack an individual or group based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, religion, religious practice, age, disability or sexual orientation. Domestic terrorism motivated by hate will be punishable by up to life in prison without parole.

Senator David Carlucci said, “Terrorism is not just committed by foreigners or international organizations. Look at what happened in Monsey, a man born here, targeted Jewish people and brutally attacked them with a machete.  We see a rise in anti-Semitism and hate here at home, which has led to horrific acts of terror committed by people born in the U.S. These individuals should be prosecuted and called what they are, which is domestic terrorists.”

The prevalence of domestic terror incidents has increased dramatically. Recent incidents include, the Hanukah machete attack in Monsey, the Wal-Mart shooting in El Paso, the synagogue shootings in Pittsburgh and Poway, the Pulse Nightclub shooting in Orlando and the Charleston church shooting. Under Carlucci’s legislation, attacks like these would be classified as acts of terrorism in New York State.

“Americans are more likely to be killed by domestic terrorists than international terrorists, said Senator Carlucci. “We need the law on the books now that will better hold homegrown extremists to the fullest extent of the law.”

This legislation is part of a series of bills Senator Carlucci will be highlighting this week and calling on the Legislature to pass to combat hate.