News from Assemblyman 130th Assembly District JOSEPH A. ERRIGO   For immediate release: May 8th, 2006 Contact: Bonnie Turner (585) 334-5210 District Office: 3045 East Henrietta Rd., Henrietta, NY  14467 Albany Office: Rm 427 LOB, Albany, NY  12248

FOR RELEASE: IMMEDIATELY                                                                                                                  Contact: Bonnie Turner (585) 334-5210 ASSEMBLYMAN ERRIGO UNVEILS ANTI-TERRORISM BILL Bill provides new tool to law enforcement in fight against terrorism        Assemblyman Joe Errigo (R,C – Conesus) today joined with Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn) in unveiling legislation that would assist law enforcement personnel in identifying potential terror suspects.      The bill, which is co-sponsored by Assemblyman Errigo, would allow a law enforcement official to consider the apparent race or ethnicity of a suspect as one of the many factors in a potential terrorist suspect profile.      While no single aspect is definitive, a wide variety of factors such as the following can help identify potential terrorism suspects: wearing heavy clothing in warm weather;, duffle bag or backpack with protrusions or visible wires; displaying nervousness and/or inappropriate sweating; an inability or unwillingness to make eye contact; chemical burns on clothing or stains on hands.      “With the recent events in Canada, I think it is obvious that we must strengthen our resolve in the fight against terrorists,” said Errigo. “It is imperative that we give our law enforcement officials the tools that they need to protect us.”      Recently, a group of 17 Muslim Canadians were arrested when attempting to purchase three tons of potential bomb making materials. Anti-terror agencies are concerned about the presence of terrorists in Canada.      Law enforcement resources, and the time necessary to make an initial decision regarding stopping and questioning, are very limited. Law enforcement officers would be able to consider race as a factor when determining which persons to stop for questioning and/or searching.      The Supreme Court has held in Grutter v. Bollinger that factors such as race and ethnicity can be considered in making governmental decisions, provided that race or ethnicity is not the only factor to be considered in making the decisions.      “Protecting New Yorkers is my top priority,” stated Errigo. “It is in the best interest of us as state legislators to advance this bill that will allow law enforcement, from all reaches of the state, to aggressively fight the war against terrorism.”                                                                                                                         -30-                                                                                                  6/8/06