Brooklyn Councilwoman Inna Vernikov, a Republican and vocal supporter of Israel, will have her criminal charges dismissed after being arrested last month for possessing a firearm at a pro-Palestinian rally, according to the county prosecutor's office. The dismissal comes as the firearm in question was found to be inoperable.

The incident took place on October 13 when Vernikov was seen at a pro-Palestinian rally at Brooklyn College, counterprotesting and displaying a handgun at her waistband, as depicted in photos and videos. Prosecutors allege that Vernikov referred to the Palestinian supporters as "pro-Hamas" and claimed being there to protect the safety of Jewish students, labeling the supporters as terrorists.

Although Vernikov possessed a license to carry a concealed weapon, New York law prohibits licensed gun owners from bringing firearms to certain sensitive locations, including protests and school grounds. Additionally, handguns must be kept concealed by those licensed to carry them.

Following her arrest, Vernikov surrendered her gun, which was later determined to be unloaded and missing the recoil spring assembly, rendering it inoperable. This finding played a crucial role in the decision to dismiss the charges.

According to Oren Yaniv, spokesperson for Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, the charge could not be sustained as it was not proven beyond a reasonable doubt that the weapon possessed by Vernikov was capable of firing bullets. As a result, the charges were dismissed.

Inna Vernikov, who represents the 48th District in Brooklyn, which includes neighborhoods such as Brighton Beach, Homecrest, Manhattan Beach, a section of Coney Island, and parts of Midwood and Sheepshead Bay, was elected in 2021. Her district is home to a significant Orthodox Jewish population. Vernikov succeeded Anthony Weiner in this seat.

The dismissal of charges marks a significant development in the case, leaving Vernikov free from criminal charges related to possessing a firearm at a sensitive location. The decision has sparked reactions among supporters and opponents alike, highlighting the ongoing tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.