Lawmaker Seeks Harsher Penalties for Riots

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — An Alabama lawmaker is proposing tougher penalties for rioters. Republican Rep. Allen Treadaway, a retired Birmingham assistant police chief, on Wednesday introduced the bill that would make it a felony to knowingly participate in a riot that turned violent or destructive. Treadaway said he began drafting the bill after a summer protest in Birmingham turned destructive and led to multiple businesses being damaged. The proposal drew sharp criticisms from some lawmakers who said it was an overreaction to historic protests.

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