Illinois lawmakers want to ban ‘Grand Theft Auto’ amid rising car theft
Philanthropist Early Walker says violent video games like the GTA may be influencing young minds.
CHICAGO – People have been saying for months that teenagers are running around Chicago and theft of drivers as if it were a video game.
But now, local lawmakers are doubling that idea, saying that the video game “Grand Theft Auto” should be banned.
Some of the car theft suspects are not even old enough to drive. On Monday, a 16-year-old was charged and two days ago, two 15-year-olds were arrested and charged as well.
Philanthropist Early Walker says that violent video games like the GTA may be influencing their young minds.
Walker met with Illinois State Representative Marcus Evans in January, and from there, legislation was drafted to amend a 2012 law that prevented some games, including the GTA, from being sold to children in Illinois.
Different versions of GTA have been banned or censored in five different countries, but never in the United States.
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Last Friday, a former police officer was kidnapped in his own garage in the southern suburbs. The car was later found in Harvey with the young suspects still inside.
“These guys feel like they’re going to leave immediately, especially because they’re young,” said retired police officer Vincent Sims.
DePaul University psychology professor Leonard Jason told FOX 32 that gambling may be the cause of violence, but that it is not the only factor.