Gov. Evers Vetoed Bills That Would Create New Penalties For Attending A Riot

Saturday, April 2nd, 2022 -- 6:54 AM

Gov. Tony Evers has vetoed bills that would create new penalties for attending a riot.

The bill would have defined a riot as a public disturbance that involves an unlawful assembly. Attending or participating in such a gathering would have been a misdemeanor punishable by up to nine months in jail or a felony punishable by up to three-and-a-half years in prison depending on whether property damage or injuries occurred.

The bill came in response to protests over a police shooting in Kenosha in 2020. Evers vetoed the bill Thursday, saying current law already prohibits such behavior and the bill could be used to infringe on freedom of speech. (AP)

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