‘Riverside County sheriff and gubernatorial candidate Chad Bianco says a recently introduced bill in the California State Assembly would “make self-defense against criminals illegal.”
AB 1333 was introduced by Assembly Member Rick Zbur of Santa Monica on Feb. 21.
According to the California Legislative Information website, the bill seeks to “eliminate certain circumstances under which homicide is justifiable, including, among others, in defense of a habitation or property.”
The description goes on to say that “the bill would additionally clarify circumstances in which homicide is not justifiable, including, among others, when a person uses more force than necessary to defend against a danger.”
In a statement on Tuesday, Sheriff Bianco said the bill would tie the hands of residents while coddling criminals.
“Sacramento Democrats have spent the last 15 years tying the hands of law enforcement and coddling criminals, using and abusing ordinary Californians in their attempt to make criminals the real victims,” Bianco said. “Now, they’re actively trying to tie the hands of our residents, who have had to defend themselves against re-released career criminals far too often.”
Zbur responded to backlash over the bill.
“AB 1333 was never intended to limit a crime victim’s right to defend yourself, your family, or home. The goal is to prevent wannabe vigilantes like Kyle Rittenhouse from provoking violence & claiming self defense after the fact. We will amend the bill to make this crystal clear,” Zbur’s post on X stated.
Rittenhouse fatally shot three men in Kenosha, Wisconsin, in 2020 in an altercation during a police protest. He was charged with homicide but pleaded self-defense and was acquitted.
“I look forward to testifying against this bill. I’ll see you in California,” Rittenhouse commented in response to Zbur’s post.
Bianco announced his candidacy on Feb. 17.
