New laws in Cleveland target violent flash mobs

CLEVELAND (AP) — Measures meant to crack down on unruly flash mobs have gone on the books in Cleveland, but the mayor’s office is shrugging off the new laws.

Mayor Frank Jackson vetoed the city council’s earlier effort to outlaw the use of social media to organize a violent and disorderly flash mob. The Plain Dealer reports the mayor allowed the latest legislation to take effect without his signature.

The ordinances passed by the council last week prohibit actions that lead to rioting and list computers, cell phones and other electronic media devices as criminal tools.

Jackson spokeswoman Andrea Taylor says the mayor didn’t sign the measures because they mirror state laws already in place.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio says the new laws are flawed and will invite challenges.