State officials and local law enforcement in New Mexico are advocating for increased penalties for individuals who make mass shooting and school shooting threats. Currently, making a school shooting threat is considered a misdemeanor, but Attorney General Raul Torrez is proposing to elevate it to a felony charge. With school disruption being a significant concern, Torrez believes that the current laws do not reflect the seriousness of such threats.
In September alone, the Albuquerque Police Department investigated 28 school shooting threats, causing significant disruptions in education. Torrez argues that by upgrading the charge to a felony, it would allow for better identification of behavior patterns and the necessary intervention for individuals making such threats. State Representative Joy Garratt has pledged to sponsor the bill during the upcoming legislative session to make this change a reality.
Educators and school officials support the proposed legislation, highlighting the need for students to feel safe in their learning environment. Amy Suman, superintendent at Pojoaque Valley School District, stressed the importance of students understanding the consequences of their actions and the need for a more serious response to threats of school violence.
By increasing the penalties for making school shooting threats to a felony, leaders hope to send a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated. The proposed legislation aims to protect students and educators and create a safer learning environment for all.
Source
Photo credit www.kob.com