After Beheading Threats, Democratic Senators Call for Tougher Punishment

A group of Democratic state senators called for tougher punishment after someone threatened to behead school children this week.

The threat was made in a handwritten letter, targeting students in Cranston, Johnston, and Warwick. Police have said they don’t believe the threat is credible but have stepped up security at schools statewide as a precaution. The FBI is investigating the matter.

The senators said they are writing legislation that would make it a felony to threaten children with physical harm. Penalties include a maximum 20-year prison sentence.

“At this point, no one is certain whether these threats are real or not, but the anguish it is causing for children and parents and the disruption it is causing in the school systems is horrendous,” said Sen. Hannah Gallo in a statement. “Anyone who would do this, for whatever reason, deserves swift and stern punishment.”

In addition to Gallo, the other senators who will sponsor the legislation are:

• Frank Lombardi (D-Dist., 26, Cranston)
• Frank Lombardo (D-Dist. 25, Johnston)
• Erin Lynch (D-Dist. 31, Warwick, Cranston)
• Michael McCaffrey (D-Dist. 29, Warwick)
• William Walaska (D-Dist. 30, Warwick)

Earlier this week, State Rep. Deborah A. Fellela (D-Dist. 43, Johnston) that she will introduce similar legislation in the House of Representatives in January.

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