Bipartisan bill would make disaster looting a felony
A group of bipartisan U.S. Congress members want to make looting in the wake of a natural disaster a federal felony offense. The lawmakers announced the proposal at the forefront of a season known for both hurricanes and tornadoes.
If enacted, the LOOTER Act would create federal criminal penalties if someone is convicted of larceny or grand larceny in an area that’s been declared a federal disaster area. Bill sponsor Rep. Jimmy Panetta, D-Calif., said in a release that, while disasters like tornadoes in the Midwest, wildfires in the western states and hurricanes along the Atlantic coast can bring communities together to recover, there has been a “disturbing and consistent behavior” of looting in the wake of these disasters.
Bipartisan backing
Two Democrats and two Republicans sponsor the bill.
“As a former prosecutor, I’ve seen firsthand how looting during emergencies only deepens the suffering of disaster victims,” Panetta said. “The LOOTER Act would ensure that those who prey on communities during times of crisis face serious consequences under federal law. Our bipartisan legislation is critical to better protecting disaster-stricken communities, supporting our local law enforcement partners, and sending a clear message that if you loot during a disaster, you will be held accountable.”
Panetta’s 19th Congressional District is located along the coast of Central California. It stretches from Santa Cruz south to northern San Luis Obispo. It has experienced both flooding and wildfires, resulting in federal relief efforts.
U.S. Rep. Troy Nehls, R-Texas, witnessed firsthand during his time in law enforcement the crime that often follows hurricanes.
“When Hurricane Harvey hit, I served as Sheriff of Fort Bend County, Texas, and know all too well how natural disasters leave people and their property vulnerable, especially to crime,” Nehls said. “This bill ensures accountability for those who take advantage of disaster and ensures justice for those who might fall victim to these low-life crimes.”
Past looting
In January, the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office prosecuted nine individuals for looting in the aftermath of multiple wildfires.
Hurricane Harvey’s aftermath in late 2017 resulted in widespread looting in the Houston area. KPRC reported that residents boarding rescue boats were seeing looters stealing property. The total theft estimate was nearly $1 million.
Tens of thousands of people waited to be rescued in the days after Hurricane Katrina made landfall near New Orleans in August 2005. The storm and subsequent flooding killed 1,833 people and left an estimated $161 billion in damage. Reports of looting persisted throughout the following weeks, but estimations varied.
Ella Rae Greene, Editor In Chief
