PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, Md. — Maryland legislators are proposing an act that aims to tackle violent crimes in "sacred places" by increasing penalties on perpetrators.
The Sacred Places Safety Act, backed by Prince George’s County State's Attorney Aisha Braveboy, comes in light of multiple violent crimes in educational facilities, places of worship, and funerals that have ravaged the county in recent years.
If approved, it would impose stricter felony convictions and imprisonment of up to 10 years.
Last May, a harrowing incident on a school bus in Oxon Hill almost turned deadly after three teenagers attacked another teen with a handgun; there were only minor injuries due to a malfunction. Among those charged in the incident was a 14-year-old girl accused of plotting the attack.
That same month, the owner of a funeral service company was accused of second-degree murder for allegedly shooting a pallbearer and injuring a woman during a 10-year-old's funeral on Mother’s Day.
RELATED: Police: Pallbearer shot to death by man in charge of funeral for 10-year-old shooting victim
In 2022, Charles Sutherland of Takoma Park was charged with multiple hate crimes and destruction of property for defacing two county libraries.
Braveboy's office says there is "no existing law that addresses violent crimes in sacred places." The hearing on this first-of-its-kind legislation is scheduled to start Tuesday at noon in the Maryland Judiciary Committee.
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