New Jersey legislators are trying to knock out the game that has caused panic and random violence in various states in the past few months.
A proposed law in the state would give participants of the "Knockout Game" a minimum sentence of one year in prison if they're found guilty, USA Today reported.
"We need to send a message that one strike, and you will be out and in jail," bill co-sponsor Assemblyman Ronald Dancer told the news service, adding that the bill was first brought in earlier this month.
The game, which calls for assailants to walk up to a random pedestrian and deliver a single sucker punch that knocks them out cold, has popped up in such cities as Brooklyn, N.Y., New Haven, Conn. and Hoboken, N.J. Attackers don't steal a single possession, nor do they stick around for the fallout - video surveillance that captured a handful of the attacks depicts aggressors socking strangers, then running away.
Ashbury Park Police Capt. Marshawn Love told USA Today that the game, which has led to the deaths of seven people thus far, should be taken just as seriously as any other act of violence.
"We're not treating this any differently than anything else we are vigilant for," Love said. "Rest assured that we're trying to be proactive with how we deal with crimes."
USA Today reported that the proposal most likely won't be passed into law prior to Jan. 14, when the new Legislature is scheduled to reconvene.
Some are skeptical of just how much local law enforcement can implement the legislation and pursue assailants when the attacks bear such a random nature.
"What's there to do?" Keansburg Deputy Police Chief Michael Pigott wondered. "Thankfully, we haven't had anything like that in town. It's really sickening."
Police in New Jersey are reportedly working with local-level officials concerning the knockout issue.
Three teens have been charged with the murder of a 46-year-old homeless man who died from alleged knockout game-related injuries.
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