Georgia Governor Brian Kemp says the state is going after gangs and gang recruiters. Kemp said Georgia gangs are targetting the state’s youth and it is happening all over.

The governor said last week that the GBI has seen gang recruiters active in over 100 of the state’s 159 counties, including rural counties.

The Georgia General Assembly passed SB 44 – the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act – which the governor signed into law and increases penalties for gangs.

“If you come after us we will come after you in regards to gang recruitment efforts with our middle and elementary schools,” Kemp said.

The governor says gangs recruit younger members because penalties for children are not as intense as they are for older teens.