(NEW YORK, NY, 10/13/2023) — The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned NYC Councilwoman Inna Vernikov for allegedly bringing and displaying a gun at a pro-Palestine protest and called for her immediateremoval from office.
Vernikov allegedly brandished a weapon at yesterday’s pro-Palestine Brooklyn College protest led by the college’s Students for Justice in Palestine chapter. Numerous students called out the behavior, identifying it to the police. Vernikov reportedly would walk up to youth and allegedly try to intimidate them by calling them “terrorists” and referring to them as “Hamas.” Students reported feeling intimidated and threatened by her presence and the presence of a weapon.
SEE: New York City Council Member Vernikov arrested for gun possession after rally
https://www.politico.com/news/2023/10/13/new-york-inna-vernikov-gun-arrest-00121408
SEE: Council Member Inna Vernikov arrested on gun charge
In a statement, CAIR-NY Executive Director Afaf Nasher said:
“For a public official to allegedly carry a gun in public and use her status to intimidate youth is a gross abuse of her public authority. Not only is Councilwoman Vernikov’s reckless behavior apparently illegal, but it undermines the students’ constitutional right to protest and engage in free speech. Vernikov is unfit to hold public office and must be immediately removed. We call for Speaker Adams to oust her for such behavior.”
Earlier this week, CAIR-NY condemned two reported anti-Palestinian assaults in Brooklyn and urged officials and media to end anti-Palestinian incitement.
CAIR-NY also denounced the blanket condemnation made by New York City Mayor Eric Adams against a pro-Palestinian rally that took place in Times Square yesterday.
CAIR-NY’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR-NY es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: Afaf Nasher, Esq., CAIR-NY Executive Director, 917-669-4006, anasher@cair.com; Rabea Ali, rali@cair.com