This story centers on the arrest and charges of Councilwoman Inna Vernikov for criminal possession. Inna, an American politician and attorney, serves as the 48th District’s representative in the New York City Council.
Her district includes parts of Midwood and Sheepshead Bay as well as the Brooklyn towns of Manhattan Beach, Brighton Beach, West Brighton Beach, and Gravesend.
She is the City Council’s Minority Whip. Vernikov is a Republican currently, having been a Democrat formerly.
Originally registered as a Democrat, Vernikov switched to the Democratic Party in order to run for office and address the rise of antisemitism and what she saw as socialism in New York City. She is a fan of Donald Trump.
“We, as Jews from the former Soviet Union, are very familiar with socialism and communism, and many of us feel strongly that the Democratic Party of today is promoting exactly what we ran from—a place where we were denied economic opportunity, freedom, and speech was censored.” She stated this in her bid for office.
After being detained, Councilwoman Inna Vernikov was accused of criminal possession
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City council member Inna Vernikov was seen at a protest with a pistol around her waist, and she was taken into custody early on Friday morning on suspicion of illegal weapons ownership.
According to an NYPD official who spoke with POLITICO, she turned in her gun license and entered the 70th Precinct in Brooklyn.
Images posted on X, previously known as Twitter, show Vernikov counter-protesting a pro-Palestinian event outside Brooklyn College on Thursday afternoon while carrying a pistol strapped to her hip.
The black Smith & Wesson 9 millimeter, according to the statement of an NYPD spokesman. Despite having a concealed carry permit, Republican Vernikov’s attorney Ali Najmi said on X that she could be breaking the law by bringing a weapon to a rally.
Jewish supporter Vernikov has been vocal in his defense of Israel and in his claim that the march would make CUNY campuses dangerous.
An NYPD official told POLITICO early on Friday that there had been no reports of arrests or problems linked to the demonstration.
Vernikov said, “If you are here, standing today with these people, you’re nothing short of a terrorist without the bombs,” but he refused to remark in favor of sharing a video of the student protest.
More Information About This Case
Using a firearm while committing a crime is classified as a class E felony. However, because it’s a low-level, non-violent offense, Vernikov’s likelihood of going to jail is rather low.
An NYPD spokesman said that Vernikov received a desk appearance ticket. When she would have to show up in court for her arraignment was not immediately clear.
Nevertheless, a person with knowledge of the court system claims that defendants often have three weeks. It was common practice to process and arraign the defendant right away.
Republican minority leader and member of the city council Joe Borelli said, “I’m sure she’ll confront the allegations and fight them in court. Gun owners have a responsibility.” She definitely feels guilty about what transpired.
Vernikov gave Republican Lee Zeldin his whole support when he campaigned for governor last year.
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