Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio (R,C-Riverhead) joined Assemblyman Jarett Gandolfo (R,C-Sayville), Senator Anthony Palumbo, Presiding Officer of the Suffolk County Legislature Anthony Piccirillo and legislative colleagues at a press conference in Albany yesterday to call for immediate changes to New York’s bail laws and sanctuary policies. The press conference comes in response to a March 11 traffic stop in Suffolk County, where three Salvadorans were found in possession of gasoline-filled Molotov cocktails. The suspects were charged and released shortly afterward on a signature bond due to New York’s current bail laws. Lawmakers highlighted that possession of such weapons is not classified as a first-degree felony under New York law, raising serious concerns about public safety and accountability.

The incident follows another alarming case in New York City where individuals allegedly attempted to deploy Molotov cocktails near a group of demonstrators outside Gracie Mansion.

“Recent incidents involving Molotov cocktails here on Long Island and in New York City are deeply alarming and underscore the very real public safety threats our communities continue to face,” Giglio said. “No New Yorker should have to worry about dangerous weapons like these being used in their neighborhoods or against peaceful demonstrators exercising their First Amendment rights.”