In an assertive move to quell illegal automotive anarchy, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has mandated a robust crackdown on unlawful car gatherings, her office spoke with a tone of zero tolerance for the street-side mayhem that gripped at least four communities across the state. According to NBC Boston, Healey, in a firm address at the State House, stated, "No more. No more. You will be held accountable," emphasizing the impending consequences for those caught in the act of such disorderly conduct.
The governor's directive, according to a statement obtained by Boston 25 News, centers on the Massachusetts State Police bolstering local forces in tracking down and penalizing the culprits behind these disruptive events which not only ensnared the urban landscape in anarchy but also had instances of violence such as the assault on Boston police with objects such as fireworks and cones. Massachusetts State Police Col. Geoffrey Noble has been tasked to ensure their resources are used in collaboration with local departments to apprehend and punish those found responsible, Healey added that the state will also be monitoring online conversations about these meetups through the Commonwealth Fusion Center.
Healey's crackdown comes in the wake of several street takeovers, including a sizable disturbance at the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Tremont Street in Boston, where over 100 individuals reportedly began attacking marked police cruisers. As a result, two individuals found themselves under arrest, facing a slew of criminal charges, this was mirrored in nearby communities like Randolph where masked figures set off fireworks and attacked police cruisers.
With a clear message to both Massachusetts residents and out-of-staters, Healey warned, "Whether you are in Massachusetts or you think about coming to Massachusetts, you’re not welcome to engage in that conduct at any time or in any place in this state,” furthermore, she implored the public's assistance in fighting these illegal meets and street races, indicating a collective effort is needed from society to curb this disruptive element. "If you see something online, say something, report it to local police, call 911," Healey urged the public, signaling a community-wide crackdown on these rogue vehicular assemblies.
