North Charlotte Today

Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) have introduced the Safe and Open Streets Act, a bill aimed at addressing the issue of blocking public roads and highways. The legislation seeks to make it a federal crime to purposely obstruct, delay, or affect commerce by blocking roads.

The motivation behind the Safe and Open Streets Act is the recent rise in radical tactics employed by pro-Palestine protestors who have been blocking roads and highways across the country. In November, protestors blocked the Durham Freeway in North Carolina during rush hour, causing inconvenience to commuters and disrupting the free flow of commerce. Similarly, last month, protestors blocked airport access roads in New York City and Los Angeles on one of the busiest travel days of the year.

Senator Tillis expressed his concerns about these tactics, stating, "The emerging tactic of radical protestors blocking roads and stopping commerce is not only obnoxious to innocent commuters, but it’s also dangerous and will eventually get people killed. It needs to be a crime throughout the country." He further emphasized the need for accountability and public safety by introducing the Safe and Open Streets Act.

Senator Blackburn echoed these sentiments, saying, "Blocking major roads to stop traffic flows is nothing short of lawlessness that should not be tolerated. These activists are not only intentionally creating a dangerous situation for themselves, but perhaps for a citizen who is awaiting an ambulance or a hard worker who will lose their job for being late." She emphasized the importance of the Safe and Open Streets Act in curbing this reckless behavior, particularly by Hamas sympathizers, in U.S. cities.

The proposed legislation would impose penalties, including fines or up to five years of imprisonment, on individuals found guilty of obstructing public roads and highways. The aim is to deter such actions and ensure the free movement of traffic and commerce.

The Safe and Open Streets Act is seen as a crucial step in addressing the issue of road blockades and ensuring public safety. It seeks to hold accountable those who engage in reckless and dangerous tactics that disrupt the normal functioning of society. The bill aims to protect innocent commuters, maintain the flow of commerce, and prevent potential harm to individuals in need of emergency services.

For more information on the Safe and Open Streets Act, the text of the bill can be found [here](link).

To find out more, go to this link: https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2024/1/tillis-blackburn-introduce-bill-to-make-blocking-public-roads-a-federal-crime