Latest news with #Kanitra
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
NJ lawmakers push for stiffer penalties for disorderly conduct
SEASIDE HEIGHTS, N.J. -After a rowdy Memorial Day weekend in Seaside Heights that saw more than 70 arrests, three stabbing incidents, and multiple fights, visitors of the boardwalk walk away saddened by the bad behavior. 'It's kind of just embarrassing you know? I know we're all better than that,' said Lamin Golafali of Mt. Olive. 'I feel like everyone just needs to come out here and have fun and if you get too aggressive, that's how you just ruin it for us.' More Local News A bill in Trenton would establish the offense of inciting a public brawl and stiffen penalties for disorderly conduct. It was inspired by a brawl that broke out at a carnival last year in a South Jersey district represented by Democratic Assemblyman Dan Hutchison. 'I just think it's a real good way to focus on the root causes of these problems,' said Hutchison (D-NJ 4th District). After passing through both chambers in Trenton, Governor Phil Murphy issued a conditional veto in hopes of ensuring first amendment rights are protected. Since then, the Assembly passed it again, with the Senate's vote expected next week. 'I would suggest to you getting a better bill a week or two later is more important than getting a bill that's not as good, not as strong,' said Hutchison. Republican Assemblyman Paul Kanitra, who represents Seaside Heights, hoped that the bill would have been passed in time for Memorial Day weekend. 'Seaside Heights here cracked down, they made a ton of arrests,' said Kanitra (R-NJ 10th District), but their hands were still somewhat tied.' A co-sponsor of the bill, he still hopes the amended version passes. 'Something is better than nothing,' said Kanitra. 'We're looking forward to getting this bill and signed by the Governor as soon as possible.' Many Seaside Heights visitors and business owners say the events of this past weekend do not reflect what this boardwalk is all about. 'It's the most positive place to be,' said Kenny Macchiaverna, owner of several businesses on the baordwalk, including Playa Bowls. 'Be nice and nice things happen. Be bad and bad things happen.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Dozens arrested after Memorial Day violence rocks Jersey Shore boardwalk
Dozens of people were arrested after a string of brawls and stabbings involving young adults and juveniles erupted at a popular Jersey Shore boardwalk over Memorial Day weekend, forcing authorities to temporarily shut down the popular tourist site. At least 73 people – 52 adults and 21 minors – were arrested in Seaside Heights, New Jersey, during the mayhem that began early Friday and ended around 6 a.m. on Monday, local reports say, citing local police. Rep. Paul Kanitra, R-N.J., said in a social media post on Sunday that "40+ arrests have been made in just the past two days by the Seaside Heights Police Department." "Their strong leadership is cracking down," Kanitra continued. "If you go there with bad intentions, you will likely leave in handcuffs." Philadelphia Teenagers Charged In Series Of 'Unprovoked' Attacks Within An Hour Three young adults were stabbed in separate incidents, Seaside Heights Detective Steve Korman told local media, adding that the third stabbing prompted officials to temporarily shut down the boardwalk just after midnight on Monday. Read On The Fox News App SWAT teams were on standby ahead of the weekend after a similar incident occurred during last year's long holiday weekend involving large groups of unruly juveniles, according to FOX 29 Philadelphia. Dc-area Mall Shut Down After Multiple Fights In Food Court, 3 Teens Hit With Riot Charges Despite efforts to control this year's situation with a 10 p.m. curfew for minors and increased police presence, dozens of teens and young adults flooded the area and engaged in violent altercations near the boardwalk, the local station reported. "We call them gangs," visitor Michele Benangus said to FOX 29. "I don't know what they are, just groups of kids, some tougher than others, and we've seen them pushing and stuff." Arrest Made In New York City Tourist Face Slashing After Mom Reports Son To Police Kanitra blamed the surge in teen violence on the state's "lax" crime laws. "Seaside Heights, one of the great towns in the 10th Legislative District, continues to deal with the repercussions of New Jersey's lax on crime policies," Kanitra said. "But they aren't taking this sitting down. There is now a strict curfew in place to deal with the juveniles who have increasingly become more and more emboldened as a result of our weak Attorney General." The office of New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin and Seaside Heights Police Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News article source: Dozens arrested after Memorial Day violence rocks Jersey Shore boardwalk
