Chicago Lawmaker Proposes Bill that Bans the Sale of Grand Theft Auto

What’s the Story

Chicago has recently seen an increase in carjacking incidents perpetrated by minors who are not even old enough to drive.

Just last January, a 14 year old boy was arrested for participating in a series of motor vehicle theft. The youngest carjacker arrested was a 12 year old boy.

Chicago police revealed that these minors work in groups and are impelled to use stolen vehicles to commit other crimes.

This has prompted Rep. Marcus Evans Jr., a Democrat lawmaker, to introduce a bill that bans the sale of violent video games like Grand Theft Auto.

Some believe that the prohibition of these video games would help decrease the crime.

Chicago sees spike in carjackings, prompting call to ban ‘Grand Theft Auto’

Chicago police say carjackings rose about 135% last year

Rep. Marcus Evans Jr. has called for an amendment to an existing law that would bar the sale of games that depict “motor vehicle theft with a driver or passenger present,” Fox News reports.

A philanthropist in Chicago said video games like “Grand Theft Auto” could have an impact on young minds. The report pointed out that some of the carjacking suspects in the city are not even old enough to legally drive.

Chicago police said that a 14-year-old boy has been arrested for taking part in multiple carjackings including one involving an off-duty police officer.

The youngest carjacker arrested in recent attacks was about 12 years old, according to police. The perpetrators often work in crews and are motivated either by joyriding or using the stolen vehicle to commit other crimes

Illinois lawmaker seeks ban of Grand Theft Auto game following rise in carjackings

There have been renewed debates around the ban after carjackings among young people have gone up recently. 

The Hill disclosed that according to Rep. Marcus Evans Jr., a Democrat, the bill would prohibit the sale of some of these games that promote the activities that communities are suffering from.

A 16-year-old was arrested and charged with carjacking on Monday. Days ago, there were two 15-year-olds arrested and charged with carjacking as well,

Some believe a ban on violent video games for children would help decrease crime while others believe that video games do not contribute to aggressive acts in children.

FOX 32 Chicago: Philanthropist Early Walker says violent video games like GTA could be influencing young minds.