Normal eyes mass gatherings crackdown after pop-up party led to deadly shooting

NORMAL ( 25News Now ) - Gunfire has shaken residents in Normal in recent weeks, including a much-publicized incident at a youth football game and a shooting near a pop-up party that left one person dead.

Now, the Normal Town Council is saying no more.

Council members held a special meeting Wednesday night to discuss possible solutions.

They heard proposals for two ordinances that if enacted would drastically boost the punishment for incidents that lead to violence.

Also, a proposed nuisance gathering ordinance would target pop-up parties.

City staffers explained under the ordinance, organizers, promoters, and even attendees could be fined at least $1,000 and up to $5,000.

"When you walk out with thousands of dollars' worth of fines, that sends a message that actions like this won't be tolerated," said Normal Police Chief Steve Petrilli.

The second ordinance is against mass gatherings of 51 or more people in town parks, which has been a location of choice for pop-up partygoers.

"Nuisance is like they mean to be annoying where mass is by accident," said Normal City Attorney Jason Querciagrossa.

As for incidents like the shots that were fired at the One Normal Plaza youth football game, Petrilli said state law, rather than local ordinances, would apply.

Existing ordinances related to open alcohol and fighting range between $25 and $500. The chief said most ordinance fines are paid out, and if they're not, warrants are issued.

"As extreme as this may seem to people, it's not near as extreme as the behavior we witnessed," said Mayor Chris Koos.

Council member Scott Preston acknowledged the need for ordinances like the ones proposed Wednesday night, and he said he's on board.

This was just a discussion. The council is expected to actually vote on the new rules at its regular meeting on Monday, Oct. 21.