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Crown Heights Assemblywoman Arrested After Allegedly Hitting Son With Broomstick
By
Emma Whitford
Published Nov 7, 2016
Modified Nov 7, 2016
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By
Emma Whitford
Published Nov 7, 2016
Modified Nov 7, 2016
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Brooklyn Assemblywoman Diana Richardson, who represents Crown Heights, Prospect-Lefferts Gardens and East Flatbush, was arrested early Saturday morning after her 13-year-old son walked into the 71st Precinct station and told police that his mother had struck him with a broomstick.
The alleged incident stemmed from an argument over the child's grades in school, according to police. Richardson's son went for help around 11:30 p.m. on Friday. Officers then responded to their President Street home in Crown Heights and arrested Richardson on charges of assault, a felony, as well as endangering the welfare of a child, harassment, menacing and criminal possession of a weapon.
Richardson, 33, struck her son's left arm with the broomstick causing "redness and pain," a police spokesperson added. An NYPD source told the Post that the argument stemmed from his refusal to write an essay about improving his grades.
The child was hospitalized, according to the criminal complaint. The alleged assault also prompted him to "fear further physical injury and to become alarmed and annoyed."
Elected on the Working Families ticket in 2015, Richardson is up for reelection on tomorrow's ballot, unopposed. During her time in office, she's frequented pro-tenant rallies at residential buildings in her swiftly gentrifying district. She is also chairwoman of the Assembly's subcommittee on foster care, and has introduced legislation that would require the city's Administration for Children’s Services to submit annual reports on its cases to the governor. Her key issues are "housing, juvenile justice, and criminal justice reform," according to her website.
Richardson is also a single mother, and often brings her son to events and rallies, according to fellow politicians. An online biography refers to the teen as "her greatest accomplishment."
"I've seen her and her son together for many years," New York Working Families Director Bill Lipton told the NY Times. "It's a very close, loving relationship. He was on the campaign trail with her all the time.”
Former City Council Member Una S. T. Clarke—who, like Richardson, is of West Indian descent—told the paper that her friend's actions pointed to the importance of education in their families. "Part of it is cultural,” she said. “Caribbean parents don't care if it's the weekend or midweek. There are expectations that we have for our children, and education comes first."
Richardson's office did not respond to a request for comment. This morning, she posted on her Facebook wall that she was "feeling heartbroken." Comments on the post are primarily offerings of prayers and support.
"Sending love and prayers for the both of you," wrote Mahadya Mary. "Being the mother of a 13 year old boy I know that no one can or will Love your son more you [sic]."
Richardson was reportedly released from police custody on Saturday, with a temporary order of protection. Her next court appearance is January 10th. The NY Times reports that her son is staying with a relative.
[Update 4:30 p.m.]: Richardson issued a statement on Monday afternoon. "We would like to express our thanks for the support and generosity of the community," she said. "We ask that you respect our privacy as we find strength during this time."
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