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New York City Legislator Arrested for Carrying Firearm at Brooklyn College Protest

by Madison Thomas
4 comments
Airport Protests

In a recent incident that garnered significant attention, Inna Vernikov, a Republican member of the City Council in New York City, found herself in legal trouble after being apprehended for bringing a handgun to a student demonstration in support of Palestinians. The event unfolded at Brooklyn College, where images and videos showed Vernikov with a visible pistol grip protruding from her waistband, leading to her subsequent arrest by the New York Police Department.

Vernikov, who had obtained a concealed carry license just a month prior, voluntarily surrendered her firearm after her arrest. The charges brought against her were serious, falling under the category of felony criminal possession of a weapon. She later secured her release, but the legal implications of her actions remain.

Under the stringent laws of New York, individuals holding licenses to carry firearms are prohibited from bringing weapons to specific sensitive locations, including protests and educational institutions. Furthermore, state regulations mandate that licensed handgun carriers keep their weapons out of public view.

Despite the attention this incident garnered, Inna Vernikov did not immediately respond to requests for comment via email. Phone calls to her district office in Brooklyn went unanswered, and a message left at her City Council office in Manhattan did not receive an immediate response.

City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams publicly denounced Vernikov’s conduct as “unacceptable and unlawful” and subsequently referred the matter to an ethics body for further investigation.

In recent days, New York City’s public university system has become a focal point for dueling protests, sparked by the conflict between Hamas and Israel and the escalating situation in Gaza. Prominent elected officials, including the Mayor of New York City and Governor Kathy Hochul, have criticized the pro-Palestinian demonstrations, characterizing them as supportive of Hamas, the Palestinian militant organization.

Amidst the intensifying tensions, incidents of violence have also been reported, including attacks on individuals displaying Palestinian flags. An additional investigation has been launched into allegations that two young boys pointed fake guns at a synagogue in Brooklyn.

Inna Vernikov, who identifies as Jewish and has Ukrainian roots, has been a vocal opponent of Palestinian activists, referring to them as “terrorists” and accusing them of creating an unsafe environment for Jewish students.

Nerdeen Kiswani, a Palestinian activist and graduate of CUNY Law School, sees Vernikov’s actions as part of a broader narrative that marginalizes Palestinian concerns and stifles dissent. Kiswani commented, “She falsely accuses us of being antisemitic, then shows up to a rally brandishing a gun. Who is really making us unsafe?”

Vernikov is scheduled to appear in court at a later date to address the legal consequences of her actions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Firearm Arrest

What led to Inna Vernikov’s arrest at Brooklyn College?

Inna Vernikov was arrested at Brooklyn College for bringing a handgun to a student demonstration supporting Palestinians. She was seen with a visible pistol grip, which violated New York’s strict laws on firearm possession.

What were the charges against Inna Vernikov?

Inna Vernikov faced felony criminal possession of a weapon charges, as she was carrying a concealed firearm in a location where it was prohibited by law.

What actions did Inna Vernikov take after her arrest?

Following her arrest, Inna Vernikov surrendered her firearm. She also secured her release, but the legal consequences of her actions remained unresolved.

What are the regulations regarding firearms in New York?

New York has stringent laws regarding firearms, prohibiting licensed gun owners from bringing weapons to certain sensitive locations, including protests and educational institutions. Firearms must also be kept out of public view by licensed handgun carriers.

How did City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams respond to the situation?

City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams condemned Inna Vernikov’s conduct as “unacceptable and unlawful” and referred the matter to an ethics body for further investigation.

Why have there been protests in New York City’s public university system?

Dueling protests in New York City’s public university system have erupted due to the conflict between Hamas and Israel and the escalating situation in Gaza. These protests have drawn significant attention and sparked controversy.

How has Inna Vernikov been involved in this controversy?

Inna Vernikov, who identifies as Jewish and has Ukrainian roots, has been an outspoken opponent of Palestinian activists, referring to them as “terrorists” and accusing them of creating an unsafe environment for Jewish students.

How has the broader community reacted to this incident?

Nerdeen Kiswani, a Palestinian activist, sees Inna Vernikov’s actions as part of a narrative that marginalizes Palestinian concerns and stifles dissent. Kiswani questioned the authenticity of claims of antisemitism and criticized Vernikov’s actions.

More about Firearm Arrest

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4 comments

OpinionQueen October 14, 2023 - 1:19 am

Vernikov callin’ protesters ‘terrorists’ ain’t gonna help. We need more dialogue, less name-calling.

Reply
NewsBuff88 October 14, 2023 - 7:43 am

It’s crazy that a lawmaker like Vernikov didn’t know about NYC’s gun rules. She’s got some expln’n to do!

Reply
NYCResident22 October 14, 2023 - 9:57 pm

This article shws the tension in NYC over the Israel-Palestine situation. It’s a powder keg right now.

Reply
User123 October 14, 2023 - 10:18 pm

ina Vernikov’s got herself in hot water bringin’ a gun to that protest. that’s a no-no in NYC for sure. wonder what’s gonna happen next?

Reply

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