Photo: Michael M. Santiago / Getty Images News / Getty Images
Former New York City Comptroller Brad Lander was found not guilty of obstruction charges related to his arrest during a protest at 26 Federal Plaza in Manhattan. The ruling, delivered on Thursday, comes just days before the primary election in which Lander is challenging incumbent Congressman Dan Goldman for New York's 10th Congressional District.
Lander was arrested in September last year while protesting against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement policies. He was accused of blocking an elevator and creating a disturbance on federal property. According to ABC7NY, Lander pleaded not guilty to the charges, opting for a trial to highlight his concerns about ICE operations.
During the trial, Judge Henry Ricardo ruled that the prosecution failed to prove Lander intentionally obstructed the elevator. Politico reported that the judge found Lander's testimony consistent with video evidence, noting that his actions did not suggest intentional obstruction.
Lander expressed his commitment to advocating for immigrant rights, stating, "All we want at 26 Federal Plaza is for everybody facing removal proceedings by our government to have the same access to the rule of law as I had in this trial." He emphasized his ongoing dedication to protecting immigrant neighbors and ensuring the rule of law applies to everyone.
The not guilty verdict comes as Lander campaigns to unseat Goldman in the upcoming primary election on June 23. Immigration policy has become a key issue in the race, with Goldman criticizing Lander's approach as "performative" and "self-promoting." Lander, however, maintains that his actions are driven by a desire to support immigrant communities and uphold the rule of law.
Brooklyn Eagle noted that Lander was among several officials arrested during the protest, but he chose to go to trial rather than accept a plea deal. The trial focused on the logistics of the protest rather than the broader immigration policies of the Trump administration.
Photo Credit: Getty Images