Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs signed Preston's Law, a bill named after the tragic death of a 16-year-old boy, which classifies the act of "swarming" as a Class 4 felony. The legislation, House Bill 2611, seeks to address the kind of organized violence exemplified by the group dubbed the 'Gilbert Goons,' responsible for the death of teenager Preston Lord, as reported by FOX 10.
The law will amend current assault statutes to include a new type of crime, defined as "when three or more people attack one person, causing physical injuries," and it is expected to deter violent episodes such as the one Preston Lord suffered when he was attacked at a Halloween Party back in October 2023, as stated by Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell who, along with State Representative Matt Gress (R), has been a driving force behind the bill's passage. Mitchell has expressed satisfaction with the law, stating "I am deeply grateful to legislators, staff, and supporters who worked very hard to change the law, and to the governor for giving Preston’s Law her approval," in a release provided by FOX 10.
While acknowledging the pain inflicted by these violent group attacks, Representative Matt Gress, the bill's sponsor, reiterated the importance of accountability. "We’ve seen what happens when mobs believe they can act with impunity. This law sends a clear message: if you gang up to hurt someone, you will be held accountable," Gress told 12 News. This law introduction follows ongoing concerns that existing legislation was insufficient for combating the surge in organized assaults, a sentiment shared by Mitchell in September 2024, who asserted, "Our current law was not doing the job that we needed it to do."
Preston's Law is expected to come into effect 90 days after the close of Arizona's legislative session.
