Gun Carrying Councilwoman WALKS FREE — Prosecutors STUNNED

A New York City Council Member’s gun charge dismissal highlights a contentious battle over Second Amendment rights at public protests.

Story Snapshot

Inna Vernikov, NYC Council Member, had a gun charge dropped after bringing a gun to a rally.
The Brooklyn DA’s office dismissed the charges due to the gun’s inoperability.
The incident sparked debates on gun laws and political biases in New York.
New York’s controversial gun laws at protests face scrutiny under this case.

Inoperable Gun Leads to Dismissed Charges

On October 12, 2023, Inna Vernikov, a Republican NYC Council Member, attended a pro-Palestinian/anti-Israel protest at Brooklyn College. She was filmed with a holstered handgun, leading to her arrest the following day. Although Vernikov had a valid concealed carry permit, she was charged with criminal possession of a firearm under a new New York law banning firearms at protests. However, on November 17, 2023, the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office dismissed the charges, stating the gun was unloaded and inoperable, lacking a critical component necessary for firing.

The dismissal has prompted discussions about the enforcement of New York’s new gun restrictions and the perceived double standards in legal treatments based on political affiliations. The case has highlighted the complexity of balancing gun rights with public safety at protests, especially under New York’s post-Bruen “sensitive locations” legislation, which is yet to be deeply tested in court.

Implications for Gun Laws at Protests

New York’s Concealed Carry Improvement Act (CCIA), enacted in response to the 2022 U.S. Supreme Court’s Bruen decision, prohibits firearms at public gatherings and protests. The law aims to maintain safety at rallies, but Vernikov’s case has brought attention to the challenges of enforcing such regulations. The dismissal of charges, based on the gun’s inoperability, underscores the legal necessity of proving a weapon’s functionality beyond a reasonable doubt. This requirement raises questions about the practicality and fairness of the current law, especially when political figures are involved.

Vernikov’s incident at Brooklyn College occurred against a backdrop of heightened tensions following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, which sparked large pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel demonstrations in New York City. These protests, particularly at campuses like Brooklyn College, a hub for Middle East-related activism, have been focal points for debate over safety and free speech.

Political and Legal Reactions

The decision to drop the charges has drawn mixed reactions. Supporters argue it highlights overreach and political bias in the enforcement of gun laws, while critics contend it reflects inconsistency in prosecutorial decisions, especially given the visible firearm presence at a politically charged rally. Progressive critics have expressed frustration over the perceived leniency shown to Vernikov, a pro-Israel, Jewish immigrant lawmaker, compared to actions taken against other protestors.

Despite the legal outcome, Vernikov remains a contentious figure, continuing to assert her stance on social media and positioning herself as a vocal defender of Jewish students and Israel. The incident emphasizes the broader debates over gun rights, political expression, and legal standards in the U.S., particularly in liberal strongholds like New York City.