Aizaz Gill, Republican nominee in the 172nd Legislative District, announced that, if elected, he will push for tough legislation to address the issue of the “car meetups” plaguing Philadelphia.
“These car meetup groups causing havoc across our city are just another symbol of the failure of Larry Krasner to get tough on criminals. His lack of action has emboldened their actions, and it is time to get tough and put the safety of our neighborhoods, families and police first again,” Gill said.
Gill said that, as a House member, he will push for new legislation to increase penalties for those taking part in car meetups involving criminal and dangerous activities such as drag racing and traffic blockages. Gill’s plan includes stronger penalties for offenders, including seizure of vehicles involved in illegal activities (including both those offenders caught at the event and those proven by video footage of the event), loss of driver’s licenses and stiff monetary penalties. He also said that he will fight for additional penalties for those who travel from other states to join these efforts as those people are knowingly traveling to Philadelphia to take part in these events.
According to news reports, over the last year, at least eleven such events across the city, including in front of City Hall and in the Northeast, have taken place. The most recent event on Sept. 22 resulted in assaults on police vehicles as they worked to control and disperse the crowds.
“The people of Philadelphia are tired of being ground zero for these lawless events. They are tired of their streets being overrun and unpassable. They are tired of the criminal activity and lack of prosecution. I will stand with them in finally addressing this issue,” Gill said. ••
