BY: CHARLOTTE JONES / CHIEF NEWS EDITOR
Republican Councilwoman Inna Vernikov has been arrested for openly carrying a handgun in South Brooklyn. Although New York state law permits concealed carry, it does not permit open carry. Vernikov was standing across the street from a pro-Palestinian march at the time of her incident.
Councilwoman Inna Vernikov was elected to the New York City Council in 2021, flipping a historically blue seat to red. She represents the 48th district, which is a heavily Jewish area. Vernikov is a part of the Common-Sense caucus, as well as the Jewish caucus. She also serves on the Committee of Standards and Ethics and the Committee of Higher Education.
Vernikov is a Ukrainian-born American lawyer and serves as the minority whip for the New York City Council. Before her time in office, she ran an immigration and matrimonial firm. She is currently up for re-election.
On Friday, Oct. 13, a pro-Palestinian march was at Brooklyn College. The march came in support of the liberation of Palestine, the millions of Palestinians being affected by the Israeli government's siege and the thousands who have already been killed. Vernikov was outside the march, condemning the protestors and their actions. In a video she posted online to her Instagram and X account, she stated, “I am here at the pro-Hamas rally… If you are here today standing with these people, you are nothing short of a terrorist without the bombs.”
Pictures of Councilwoman Inna Vernikov were released on social media shortly after the protest began. She can be seen with a gun in her waistband, a direct violation of New York state law. A state law passed in 2022 also forbids weapons from being carried in sensitive locations, such as protests and rallies.
Ms. Vernikov, who is licensed to carry a weapon, turned herself in to the 70th Precinct shortly before 3 a.m. She arrived with her lawyer and was ordered to turn over her weapon and permit.
“There's a responsibility that comes with owning a firearm and she’ll have to address those charges in court,” said Joseph Borelli, the City Council’s Republican Minority Leader.
Governor Kathy Hochul responded to the news of Ms. Vernikov’s arrest by saying, “New York’s Gun Safety laws apply to everyone.”
The City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams said the matter would be referred to the Standards and Ethics committee. “It is unacceptable and unlawful for a civilian to ever bring a firearm to a rally or protest,” Ms. Adams said, “and especially important for elected officials to model a respect for the law that is expected of all New Yorkers.”
Several top officials and fellow council members have called for Ms. Vernikov's resignation. Others have called for expulsion, especially from the Council on American-Israel relations.
Vernikov’s democratic challenger Amber Adler has used her arrest as campaign propaganda, stating “I think she should put down the gun and pick up the phone for constituents.” Vernikov’s campaign responded, staging “Adler is firing blanks and needs fact checked.” Adler and Vernikov face off on Nov. 7.
The war between Israel and Hamas has escalated tensions across the world and brought a stronger sense of instability to the Middle East. New York City has the highest Jewish population outside of Israel, as well as a large Palestinian population. There have been several marches in support of Palestine as well as Israel across the city. College campuses and Times Square have been hotspots for protests.
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