Inna Vernikov, a Republican councilwoman from Brooklyn, was arrested and charged with criminal possession of a firearm. The charges were filed after images surfaced on social media showing Vernikov carrying a gun at a pro-Palestinian rally at Brooklyn College. She turned herself in at the 70th Precinct with her lawyer and surrendered her weapon and permit. New York state law prohibits openly carrying firearms, especially in sensitive locations like protests.
No one was harmed as a result of Vernikov’s possession of the gun at the rally. She had expressed opposition to the Brooklyn College rally before it took place but did not respond to requests for comment. Vernikov was issued a desk appearance ticket requiring her to appear in court at a later date. Several progressive groups and political figures have called for her resignation or expulsion from her seat. The incident has occurred amidst heightened political tensions in New York City following the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Vernikov, who has a license to carry a firearm, describes herself as a leading voice against antisemitism. She posted a video of herself at the rally, organized by Students for Justice in Palestine, where she criticized the protesters and accused them of supporting Hamas. The City Council speaker, Adrienne Adams, referred the matter to the Committee on Standards and Ethics and emphasized the importance of elected officials respecting the law. The incident has drawn attention to the ongoing debate surrounding gun safety laws in New York.
