Key takeaways:
- Council Member Inna Vernikov was arrested and charged with criminal possession of a weapon after being seen openly carrying a handgun to a pro-Palestinian rally at Brooklyn College.
- The firearm was identified as a black Smith Wesson 9 mm.
- Vernikov is facing charges of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, a felony, and could face up to seven years in prison.
A Republican New York City Council member has been arrested and charged with criminal possession of a weapon after she was seen openly carrying a handgun to a pro-Palestinian rally at Brooklyn College on Thursday.
Council Member Inna Vernikov, who represents a south Brooklyn district, surrendered to police early Friday after images of her carrying the gun at the rally circulated on social media. Police identified the firearm as a black Smith Wesson 9 mm.
Vernikov had posted a video on social media of herself at the rally, where she expressed her support for Jewish students. “I’m here today to support the Jewish students that are in school today,” she said.
The rally was attended by both pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli protesters. Vernikov has previously accused people protesting in support of Palestine of being terrorists.
Vernikov is facing charges of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, a felony. If convicted, she could face up to seven years in prison. The New York City Council has not yet commented on the incident.
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