New York City Council member Inna Vernikov will have a gun possession charge dropped after prosecutors found that the weapon she carried at a protest was inoperable. The Brooklyn District Attorney’s office stated that they couldn’t prove the gun could fire, as it was unloaded and missing essential components. Vernikov, a Republican, was arrested in October after being filmed wearing a gun at a counterprotest against a pro-Palestinian rally outside Brooklyn College.
Newly passed state gun laws make it illegal to carry a gun at a protest, but the charges couldn’t be sustained in this case due to the weapon’s condition. The dismissal is expected to be formalized at the next court date, scheduled for Jan. 24. Vernikov, who is Jewish and a vocal supporter of Israel, framed her actions as a response to Hamas’ attack on Israel, expressing relief that the issue is behind her.
A progressive Democratic colleague, City Council member Chi Ossé, criticized what he perceived as lenient treatment in a statement, raising concerns about setting a precedent for firearms at protests and college campuses. Despite being a Republican, Vernikov has often aligned with Democratic Mayor Eric Adams’ administration, meeting with his chief advisor shortly after her arrest. Vernikov’s lawyer, Arthur Aidala, who is also an ally of the mayor, hosted a campaign fundraiser for Adams in September.
Despite the controversy, Vernikov’s politically, carrying a gun at a counterprotest against pro-Palestinian students did not appear to negatively impact her politically. She recently won reelection with 67 percent of the vote in her southern Brooklyn district covering neighborhoods including Sheepshead Bay and Brighton Beach.
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