RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA - Sheriff Chad Bianco with the Riverside County Sheriff's Office (RCSO) released a video on social media explaining how a recently introduced bill in the California State Assembly would essentially "make self-defense against criminals" illegal.
According to KRCR, Assembly Bill 1333 was introduced by Assembly Member Rick Zbur of Santa Monica on February 21st and aims to "eliminate certain circumstances under which homicide is justifiable, including, among others, in defense of a habitation or property." The bill, which can be found on the California Legislative Information website, further specifies that homicide is "not justifiable when a person uses more force than necessary to defend against a danger."
Bianco said, "For more than a decade, the leadership in Sacramento has literally tied the hands of law enforcement, and made it almost impossible for us to protect you. Now, they're coming after you and your ability to protect yourself."
In his video, Bianco said that the bill would "tie the hands of residents while coddling criminals." He warned, "If a criminal attacks you or your family and you defend yourself and that criminal dies as a result of his criminal behavior, you could be arrested and charged for murder." Bianco emphasized, "You have a constitutional and God-given right to protect yourself. You actually have that right under California law."
In response to criticism over the proposed bill, Assembly Member Zbur clarified the bill's intent, writing on X, "AB 1333 was never intended to limit a crime victim's right to defend yourself, your family, or home. The goal is to prevent wannabe vigilantes like Kyle Rittenhouse from provoking violence and claiming self-defense after the fact. We will amend the bill to make this crystal clear."
Bianco, who announced his candidacy for governor in February, has been critical of Governor Gavin Newsom's actions in office. He made the announcement alongside supporters and other elected officials. Bianco is among the most notable names to declare for the Governor's Office in 2026, joining current Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaragiosa.
Bianco is among the most high-profile Republican to throw his hat in the ring. A Republican has not occupied the Governor's Mansion since Arnold Schwarnegger in 2006, and the party has not had a member in statewide office since 2011. NBC Palm Springs reported that Bianco was the featured speaker at a luncheon hosted by the East Valley Republican Women Patriots in Rancho Mirage.
The event, which celebrated Bianco's leadership, was marked by a significant divide, with his supporters applauding his stance on various issues while protesters gathered outside. Some say Bianco has become a polarizing figure in the region. Inside the venue, his supporters hailed him for standing up for his principles. Protesters voiced their opposition to his views and leadership.
Supporters argue that Bianco is standing up for what the majority believes, while critics contend that his actions and rhetoric made him unfit to represent the community.
According to KRCR, Assembly Bill 1333 was introduced by Assembly Member Rick Zbur of Santa Monica on February 21st and aims to "eliminate certain circumstances under which homicide is justifiable, including, among others, in defense of a habitation or property." The bill, which can be found on the California Legislative Information website, further specifies that homicide is "not justifiable when a person uses more force than necessary to defend against a danger."
Bianco said, "For more than a decade, the leadership in Sacramento has literally tied the hands of law enforcement, and made it almost impossible for us to protect you. Now, they're coming after you and your ability to protect yourself."
In his video, Bianco said that the bill would "tie the hands of residents while coddling criminals." He warned, "If a criminal attacks you or your family and you defend yourself and that criminal dies as a result of his criminal behavior, you could be arrested and charged for murder." Bianco emphasized, "You have a constitutional and God-given right to protect yourself. You actually have that right under California law."
In response to criticism over the proposed bill, Assembly Member Zbur clarified the bill's intent, writing on X, "AB 1333 was never intended to limit a crime victim's right to defend yourself, your family, or home. The goal is to prevent wannabe vigilantes like Kyle Rittenhouse from provoking violence and claiming self-defense after the fact. We will amend the bill to make this crystal clear."
Bianco, who announced his candidacy for governor in February, has been critical of Governor Gavin Newsom's actions in office. He made the announcement alongside supporters and other elected officials. Bianco is among the most notable names to declare for the Governor's Office in 2026, joining current Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaragiosa.
Bianco is among the most high-profile Republican to throw his hat in the ring. A Republican has not occupied the Governor's Mansion since Arnold Schwarnegger in 2006, and the party has not had a member in statewide office since 2011. NBC Palm Springs reported that Bianco was the featured speaker at a luncheon hosted by the East Valley Republican Women Patriots in Rancho Mirage.
The event, which celebrated Bianco's leadership, was marked by a significant divide, with his supporters applauding his stance on various issues while protesters gathered outside. Some say Bianco has become a polarizing figure in the region. Inside the venue, his supporters hailed him for standing up for his principles. Protesters voiced their opposition to his views and leadership.
Supporters argue that Bianco is standing up for what the majority believes, while critics contend that his actions and rhetoric made him unfit to represent the community.
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Comments
2025-03-06T23:33-0500 | Comment by: Forrest
Self-defense is a Biblical right. Any law that prohibits self-defense is a violation of the clause prohibiting the right to freely exercise one's religious beliefs.
2025-03-07T13:00-0500 | Comment by: Rick
If the citizenry of California don't take action against their government, they deserve what is coming for them. They not only need to vote but monitor the vote from start to finish as I firmly believe that state is one of three of the most corrupt in the country when it comes to elections.
2025-03-07T20:00-0500 | Comment by: Gary
the former democrat party has gone full blown communist party usa.. gun control on steroids is death of the second amendment by 1,000 cuts; in my opinion
2025-03-08T00:58-0500 | Comment by: Brian
Being able to defend your self from an attacker comes from God not government.....
2025-03-08T02:16-0500 | Comment by: Paul
california? Look at piglosi. Have a look at what is viewed as a governor. calif is a model for junior socialism. If calif citizens find that comfortable, let them have it.
2025-03-08T10:14-0500 | Comment by: James
I say BLOW the head off of ANY pig that tries to enforce ANY of it ..... I WILL .......
2025-03-08T10:17-0500 | Comment by: James
I also say, THEN go after the filth that sent them, to give them the same .... IF you pigs like living, QUIT enforcing garbage that flies in the face of MY BILL of RIGHTS ....
2025-03-08T11:27-0500 | Comment by: Laurence
Yet another example of how the DemoSocialist/Communist politicians favor criminals. CA is already the most criminal-favorable state the in the country, this is law will make the state even worse. In view of all the gangs and drug dealers in CA, the state needs a strong Castle Doctrine, not criminal-favoring laws like this. That criminal-favoring politician should be tossed out of office.
2025-03-08T11:27-0500 | Comment by: Laurence
Yet another example of how the DemoSocialist/Communist politicians favor criminals. CA is already the most criminal-favorable state the in the country, this is law will make the state even worse. In view of all the gangs and drug dealers in CA, the state needs a strong Castle Doctrine, not criminal-favoring laws like this. That criminal-favoring politician should be tossed out of office.
2025-03-08T21:00-0500 | Comment by: Chris
The Kyle Rittenhouse matter was determined to be self defense, so yes, this makes self defense illegal. Assembly Member Zbur is a typical lying democrat with no moral compass.
2025-03-08T21:03-0500 | Comment by: Chris
So don't call 911. Got it.