Illinois Lawmaker Wants To Ban “Grand Theft Auto” Game After Rise In Carjackings

An Illinois state lawmaker is pushing to ban the sale of violent video games, like the popular “Grand Theft Auto,” because of the rise of carjackings in the state.

According to The Hill, Democratic Rep. Marcus Evans Jr. introduced a bill that would amend a preexisting law to ban certain video games from being sold to minors.

Evan’s amendment, which has yet to be voted on, would ban the sale of games with subject matter that includes “motor vehicle theft with a driver or passenger present.”

The rise in carjackings has renewed debates about the ban. “The bill would prohibit the sale of some of these games that promote the activities that we’re suffering from in our communities,” Evans told the media, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.

Earlier this week, a 16-year-old was arrested and charged with carjacking. Days before that, two 15-year-olds were also arrested and charged with carjacking in a separate incident.

According to Fox Chicago 32, a former police officer was also carjacked this past week. The suspects were caught, but the officer said, “these guys feel like they are going to get right back out, especially since they are juveniles.”