Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey is set to address the alarming rise of illegal car meetups and racing, commonly referred to as “street takeovers,” during a news conference on Wednesday, October 25, 2023. The event will take place at the State House at 11:30 a.m. and will be broadcast live on CBS News Boston.
The urgency for this discussion follows a recent incident where a crowd of over 100 individuals attacked a Boston Police cruiser in the South End, resulting in the vehicle being set on fire. Authorities arrested two young men from Rhode Island in connection with this event. In another related occurrence, the Fall River Police apprehended five individuals, aged 19 to 22, after they blocked roads and performed donuts with their cars during a street takeover early Sunday morning. Similar disturbances have been reported in Randolph and Middleboro as well, highlighting a growing trend of public disorder.
Some political figures are voicing concerns regarding the state’s response to these incidents. Brian Shortsleeve, a Republican candidate challenging Healey in the governor’s race, criticized her handling of the situation, stating, “The truth is, incidents like we saw in the South End the other night are becoming more and more common. And they are becoming more and more common because the bad guys know there are no consequences.” His comments were made in an interview with WBZ-TV on Tuesday.
In response, Governor Healey emphasized her commitment to holding those responsible for such actions accountable. In a statement, she said, “Anyone who targets police and destroys police property, or who comes to Massachusetts and engages in dangerous and destructive conduct like last weekend’s drag racing and out-of-control attack, should be punished to the fullest extent of the law.”
The president of Boston’s police union, Mike Toole, attributed the rise in violence against officers to a “lack of prosecution.” Toole’s remarks reflect ongoing concerns about public safety and law enforcement’s ability to manage such incidents effectively.
As Governor Healey prepares to address these issues, the focus remains on finding solutions to curb the rising tide of street takeovers and ensure the safety of both police officers and the community at large. The news conference will likely outline specific measures her administration plans to implement in response to these troubling events.
