ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Maryland Delegate Nino Mangione on Tuesday submitted draft legislation for next year's General Assembly that would mandate prison time or fines for anyone damaging state statues, memorials and monuments.
The bill would require 6 months incarceration and/or a fine of up to $500 for minor damages, and up to 10 years and/or a fine of $2,500 for major damage.
Mangione, who represents District 42B in Baltimore County, took shots at Baltimore City's elected officials on what appeared to be their handling of protesters tearing down a Christopher Columbus statue on July 4, also calling those responsible "criminals" and "thugs."
"The lawless behavior we have seen exhibited in recent days by Antifa like mobs is a threat and embarrassment to every Marylander," said Mangione. This legislation holds these criminals accountable for their behavior and seeks to put an end to this lawlessness. I regret having to take this step but it is necessary given what has happened and the total failure of Baltimore's elected leadership to take action. They have encouraged this behavior by sitting on their hands and doing nothing.This gives us the opportunity to stand up to this criminal behavior and say no more. We will not accept mob rule, intolerant behavior or lawless behavior in Maryland any longer. No more excuses and no more delays,"Mangione said.
READ MORE: Christopher Columbus statue being retrieved from Baltimore's harbor
Here is the first draft of my legislation designed to make these thugs who destroy our monuments pay a price. It is time for accountability. pic.twitter.com/dM2AE5Zh0K
— Nino Mangione (@NMangione2018) July 7, 2020
Currently no other delegates have signed on to co-sponsor the proposal, but Mangione said he would soon be looking to add them along with a cross-file for the senate to consider.
