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NYC Councilmember Inna Vernikov arrested on gun possession charges at pro-Palestinian protest
By
Bahar Ostadan
Published Oct 13, 2023
Modified Oct 13, 2023
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The office of Councilmember Inna Vernikov
By
Bahar Ostadan
Published Oct 13, 2023
Modified Oct 13, 2023
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City Councilmember Inna Vernikov of Brooklyn was arrested early Friday morning and charged with bringing a gun to a pro-Palestinian protest at Brooklyn College.
Vernikov, a Republican who represents Brighton Beach, Sheepshead Bay and Midwood, was photographed with a gun strapped to her belt beside a large crowd of students, many of whom were draped in Palestinian flags on Thursday. Police said Friday the gun was a black Smith & Wesson 9mm.
NYPD officials contacted Vernikov after the protest, according to a spokesperson for the department. She turned herself in at 2:50 a.m. on Friday, police said. Vernikov was charged with criminal possession of a firearm.
According to several media outlets she has a concealed carry license and frequently poses with her gun in photos, but it is against state law to possess a firearm on a college campus.
Vernikov is Jewish and has been a vocal supporter of Israel. “If you are here today … you’re nothing short of a terrorist without the bombs,” Vernikov said in a video from the protest and posted on X, the social media app formerly known as Twitter, on Thursday.
Vernikov did not immediately respond to an inquiry.
“New York’s gun safety laws apply to everyone,” Gov. Kathy Hochul posted on X in response to the news of Vernikov’s arrest.
New York’s Concealed Carry Improvement Act, which took effect last year, bans gun owners from carrying their firearms in “sensitive” locations like health care centers, restaurants and Times Square.
Following news of her arrest, Council Speaker Adrienne Adams said she would refer the matter for investigation by the Council's ethics committee.
“It is unacceptable and unlawful for a civilian to ever bring a firearm to a rally or protest, and especially important for elected officials to model a respect for the law that is expected of all New Yorkers," Speaker Adams said in a statement. "The Council is investigating the impact of Council Member Vernikov’s actions and the disposition within the legal process on her participation in the body. I am referring this matter to the Standards and Ethics Committee, which may require the recusal of committee members.”
The Council's Progressive Caucus is pushing for Vernikov's expulsion saying the incident was "a despicable and violent act."
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) condemned Vernikov's actions and launched an email campaign to demand her "immediate removal from NYC's council.
This story has been updated with additional comment and new information.
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nypd
public safety
City Council
brooklyn
Bahar Ostadan
Bahar Ostadan covers the NYPD and public safety. Got a tip? Email [email protected] or message Bahar on Signal at 646-740-7335.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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