Chandler bans brass knuckles, harshens rowdy party rules in response to 'Goons' attacks

Sam Kmack, Arizona Republic
·2 min read

Chandler made it illegal for minors to have brass knuckles and passed a new law cracking down on disruptive parties, as part of a months-long effort by local officials to curb teen violence throughout the East Valley.

The issue came to light in December after an investigation by The Arizona Republic found the "Gilbert Goons," a gang of mostly affluent teenagers, had engaged in a string of attacks on other teens in the region for more than a year.

Many Goons attacks occurred in Gilbert, with some involving the use of brass knuckles. Members of the group have been charged in the Oct. 28 fatal beating of 16-year-old Preston Lord during a Halloween party in Queen Creek.

A Goons attack may have taken place in Chandler, and city officials vowed to lead a regional push to combat the issue because of the outrage among residents over Gilbert's failure to connect attacks or combat the issue.

Teen violence: Gilbert passes brass knuckles ban in effort to clamp down on 'Goons' violence

The Chandler City Council's unanimous vote Thursday to adopt its two ordinances represents its most significant policy action on Goons violence to date. The new laws are:

  • An "unruly gathering" ordinance: Chandler's existing party rules only punish those who host gatherings where minors are drinking, and it carries maximum fine of $1,500. The new policy includes any party that "constitutes a threat to the public peace, health, safety or general welfare." It also applies to anyone involved, not just the host, and violators could face a $2,500 fine, six months in jail and three years of probation.

  • A brass knuckles ban for those under 18: Brass knuckles are currently legal for anyone to buy in Chandler. This ordinance would make it illegal for minors to possess them or for stores to sell them to kids. Like the unruly gathering policy, brass knuckles violators could face a $2,500 fine, six months in jail and three years of probation.

"When you were here the first night (in January), we said to you that we would lead the way. My colleagues did ... We meant it," Councilmember Matt Orlando said when the city voted to advance the policies earlier this month. He was addressing the audience, which included Lord's father and stepmother.

Both new ordinances will take effect on June 24. Between now and then, the city plans to conduct "extensive community outreach" to ensure residents are aware of the policies and the potentially harsh punishments for those who violate them, according to a city press release on Thursday.

Chandler's vote came two days after the Gilbert Town Council adopted similar measures.

Reporter Sam Kmack covers Tempe, Scottsdale and Chandler. Follow him on X @KmackSam or reach him at sam.kmack@arizonarepublic.com.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: 'Goons': Chandler bans brass knuckles to curb teen violence