In a recent turn of events, New York City Council Member Inna Vernikov found herself in the midst of a controversy after being photographed at a pro-Palestinian rally with a visible firearm on her waist. The incident, which has garnered significant media attention, has raised questions about gun possession laws in New York and the responsibilities of elected officials.
Vernikov, a Republican representative, was seen counterprotesting a pro-Palestinian rally held outside Brooklyn College. Photographs circulating on social media platforms, including X (formerly known as Twitter), clearly showed a gun on her hip. The weapon was identified as a black Smith & Wesson 9 mm by an NYPD spokesperson.
While Vernikov possesses a concealed carry license, her decision to bring a firearm to a protest has been criticized by many, including attorney Ali Najmi, who pointed out that she appeared to be violating state law. The law in question prohibits the possession of a gun at a protest.
#BREAKING Councilwoman Inna Vernikov was arrested this morning, after appearing with hand gun at Pro-Palestine protest outside of CUNY Brooklyn College on Thursday, according to dailynews.
Video by @yyeeaahhhboiii2 Desk@freedomnews.tv to license pic.twitter.com/YR37Tw1WWk — Oliya Scootercaster (@ScooterCasterNY) October 13, 2023
The councilwoman, who is of Jewish descent, has been an outspoken supporter of Israel. She has previously expressed concerns about the safety of CUNY campuses in light of such rallies. In a video she posted from the student protest, Vernikov made a bold statement, saying, "If you are here, standing today with these people, you're nothing short of a terrorist without the bombs."
Following the incident, Vernikov turned herself in to NYPD's 70th Precinct in Brooklyn and subsequently surrendered her gun license. She was charged with criminal possession of a firearm, a class E felony. However, given the non-violent nature of the felony, it remains highly unlikely that she will face jail time.
The decision to issue Vernikov a desk appearance ticket, rather than processing and arraigning her immediately at the courthouse, has raised eyebrows. Democratic City Councilmember Tiffany Cabán expressed her astonishment, stating, "As a public defender, I've represented over 1,000 clients, and I've witnessed my colleagues represent tens of thousands. And I've never once seen a desk appearance issued on a gun possession case. Not once."
Joe Borelli, the Republican minority leader, commented on the incident, emphasizing the responsibilities of gun owners. He expressed confidence in Vernikov's remorse over the incident and her intent to address the charges in court.
The incident has also drawn reactions from other political figures. Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul took to X to share the POLITICO story on Vernikov's arrest, adding, "New York's gun safety laws apply to everyone."
The unfolding events surrounding Vernikov's arrest underscore the complexities and sensitivities surrounding gun possession laws in New York, especially when juxtaposed against the backdrop of political protests and the responsibilities of elected officials.
