In a unanimous strike against teen violence, the Gilbert Town Council has green-lit ordinances slamming the sale, gift, or possession of brass knuckles by minors and cracking down on unruly gatherings within the town. Announced May 21, these moves are part of a broader strategy to promote public safety as laid out by the Council’s Subcommittee on Teen Violence.
The brass knuckles ban targets the youth, barring individuals under 18 from handling the often weaponized accessory. Gilbert has made possession of brass knuckles by minors a Class 1 misdemeanor, with the town's code dictating enforcement and penalties. During a public meeting last month, as per official statements, the ordinance was pitched as a vital piece to combat increasingly aggressive displays among teenagers.
Similarly, steps have been adopted to mitigate what the council deems "unruly gatherings," which seem to fortuitously align interests in peacekeeping with the tranquility within Gilbert's homesteads. Individuals liable under the new ordinance include property owners, landlords, tenants, or any sponsors of such gatherings, with parents or guardians also being held accountable should the responsible person be a minor.
Those found flouting the unruly gathering rules could be slapped with a fine of up to $2,500. Not stopping there, the ordinance packs a punch for repeat offenders, who within 18 months could be staring down a Class 1 misdemeanor charge. Adding salt to the financial wound, responsible parties are also on the hook for costs the Town incurs responding to these festive fiascos. Both new rules will take effect on June 20, with the Town Council and their Community Engagement Task Force continuing their scrutiny over additional proposals to help rein in teen violence.
