Brooklyn Councilwoman Arrested for Carrying Gun at Pro-Palestinian Rally
Originally Published 2 years ago — by The New York Times
Inna Vernikov, a conservative Republican councilwoman representing a South Brooklyn district, has been charged with criminal possession of a firearm after openly carrying a gun at a pro-Palestine rally at Brooklyn College. Vernikov, who is licensed to carry a gun, surrendered her weapon and permit to the police. Openly carrying firearms is not allowed in New York, and a state law prohibits carrying guns at protests and rallies. No one was harmed as a result of Vernikov's possession of the gun. Progressive groups and political figures are calling for her resignation or expulsion from her seat, while Vernikov's Democratic opponent in the upcoming general election has also criticized her actions.