Jewish Republican NYC councilwoman arrested after allegedly bringing gun to 'pro-Hamas rally' on college campus

A Jewish Republican New York City councilwoman was arrested after she allegedly brought a gun to what she called a "pro-Hamas rally" on a Brooklyn college campus Thursday .

What are the details?

Inna Vernikov — who is Jewish and has spoken out against Palestinian supporters — attended the rally on the campus of CUNY’s Brooklyn College, New York Post reported.

Police sources told the Post that Vernikov was seen "with the butt-end of a firearm ... protruding from the front portion of her pants” during the protest between noon and 2:45 p.m.

Police were soon notified, WNBC reported, adding that the NYPD contacted Vernikov after she departed the rally.

The sources added to the Post that Vernikov, accompanied by her attorney, turned herself in to police just before 3 a.m. Friday.

Vernikov, 39, was arrested and charged with charged with criminal possession of a firearm, the station said. Sources told the Post that she surrendered her gun and her firearm permit — and received a desk appearance ticket instead of going through processing.

“At no point in time was anyone menaced or injured as a result of her possessing the firearm at the earlier protest,” police sources also told the paper.

The Post said that while Vernikov has a concealed carry permit, it's illegal in the state of New York to possess a gun at sensitive locations such as protests or school grounds.

Vernikov shared on social media a video of herself at the rally:

In the video, Vernikov calls the rally "pro-Hamas" and says rally-goers are "nothing short of terrorists without the bombs." She also says she's there to help "Jewish students feel safe."

More from WNBC:

The councilwoman's office did not respond to a request for comment. City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams released a statement calling Vernikov's actions "unacceptable and unlawful." Adams added that the council is "investigating the impact of Council Member Vernikov’s actions and the disposition within the legal process on her participation in the body."

The city council's Progressive Caucus released a statement calling for Vernikov to face an investigation for expulsion by the council's ethics committee.

Vernikov was elected in 2021 to represent the 48th District in Brooklyn. Her district comprises neighborhoods including Brighton Beach, Homecrest, Manhattan Beach, a small section of Coney Island and parts of Midwood and Sheepshead Bay, with a significant Orthodox Jewish population. Her seat was formerly held by Anthony Weiner.

NYC councilwoman arrested for carrying gun on hip at pro-Palestinian rallyyoutu.be

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