NYC GOP Councilwoman Arrested for Carrying Licensed Handgun to Pro-Palestinian Protest
Republican City Councilwoman Arrested at Pro-Palestinian Protest
The NYPD made an early morning arrest on Friday, apprehending a Republican city councilwoman who was allegedly seen with a handgun in her pants at a pro-Palestinian protest. New York City Councilwoman Inna Vernikov, 39, was taken into custody around 3 a.m. after Thursday’s demonstration at Brooklyn College.
During the protest, Vernikov recorded and shared a video of herself standing near the protesters. In the background, chants of “Free, free Palestine!” could be heard. Vernikov expressed her concerns about the rally, stating, “This is what they’re doing, protesting, supporting Hamas, asking to globalize the intifada, to bring the terror that the people of Israel are experiencing now, to bring it here to New York City.”
At @BrooklynCollege rally this afternoon with @CMFarahLouis & @KalmanYeger.
If you’re standing w/ the protestors, yelling “GLOBALIZE THE INTIFADA” & “FROM THE RIVER TO THE SEA, PALESTINE WILL BE FREE” while innocent women and babies are being raped, massacred and beheaded, you’re… pic.twitter.com/7ESRAGrjtb— Councilwoman Inna Vernikov (@InnaVernikov) October 12, 2023
Vernikov was charged with criminal possession of a firearm. The NYPD stated that she was observed with the butt-end of a handgun protruding from the front portion of her pants. The image was shared on social media by various individuals present at the scene.
Later, Vernikov turned herself in to the police. She surrendered both her licensed gun and permit license. The NYPD clarified that no one was harmed or threatened as a result of her possession of the firearm at the protest.
It is important to note that bringing a gun to a protest, even for licensed gun owners, is illegal under New York state law.
Protests in support of both Israel and Palestine have erupted in cities across the country, including New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Atlanta. These demonstrations were sparked by the recent terrorist attacks on Israel by Hamas, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,300 people, including at least 27 Americans.
The NYPD has increased security measures in anticipation of further protests throughout the city. Meanwhile, Israel has launched a massive counteroffensive against Hamas, conducting hundreds of airstrikes and mobilizing reservists.
How do critics argue that Vernikov’s actions at the protest are protected under the First Amendment?
“ltr”>My message to @NYCMayor: this city will not tolerate violence or hate! We stand with Israel and support its right to defend itself. #StandWithIsrael #ProIsrael #NYCProud
— Inna Vernikov (@InnaVernikovNYC) May 14, 2021
Despite her intentions to be a passive observer, Vernikov’s presence at the protest drew attention from both protesters and law enforcement. Several witnesses claimed to have seen Vernikov carrying a handgun tucked into her waistband. However, there is currently no evidence to suggest that she used or threatened to use the weapon during the protest.
Following her arrest, Vernikov was taken to a local police station and charged with criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree, a misdemeanor in New York. She was also charged with disorderly conduct for allegedly causing a disturbance at the protest. Vernikov’s lawyer, John Thompson, stated that his client maintains her innocence and believes the charges against her are politically motivated.
Vernikov, a Republican serving as the councilwoman for New York City’s 48th District, has been known for her strong support of Israel. She has frequently spoken out against what she perceives as anti-Israel sentiment and has been a vocal advocate for the rights and security of the Israeli people.
While the protest at Brooklyn College was largely peaceful, tensions have been running high in New York City due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Pro-Palestinian demonstrations have taken place in various parts of the city, calling for an end to Israeli attacks on Gaza and showing solidarity with the Palestinian people.
The arrest of a city councilwoman at such a protest raises questions about the limits of political expression and the rights of elected officials. Critics argue that Vernikov’s presence at the protest, while controversial, should not have resulted in her arrest. They argue that her actions are protected under the First Amendment, which guarantees the right to freedom of speech and assembly.
However, supporters of Vernikov’s arrest maintain that her alleged possession of a firearm at a protest is a serious breach of public safety. They argue that the presence of a weapon in a highly charged and emotionally charged environment such as a pro-Palestinian protest is unacceptable and potentially dangerous.
The case against Vernikov will now proceed through the legal system, and it remains to be seen how it will be ultimately resolved. As the charges against her are investigated further, the incident will likely continue to generate discussion and debate about the appropriate actions and responsibilities of elected officials while exercising their freedom of expression.
Meanwhile, the pro-Palestinian protests in New York City are expected to continue as the conflict in the Middle East shows no signs of abating. It remains to be seen whether law enforcement will take a more proactive approach in addressing potential security concerns at these demonstrations.
As New Yorkers grapple with the tensions and emotions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the events involving Councilwoman Vernikov serve as a reminder of the complexities and challenges inherent in navigating political expression and public safety in a diverse and politically charged city like New York.
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