New York City councilwoman Inna Vernikov, a Republican representative from Brooklyn, appeared in court on Thursday for arraignment on firearms charges. The charges stem from an incident in which she was found wearing a gun on her waist while opposing a pro-Palestine rally at CUNY's Brooklyn College. As the case unfolds, Vernikov's lawyer has raised doubts about the validity of a potentially altered social media photo used as evidence in the case.

During her court appearance, Vernikov remained silent, wearing a stony expression. Her lawyer, Arthur Aidala, questioned the authenticity of the photograph depicting his client with the firearm, which was taken last month. Aidala demanded a ballistics report from prosecutors, emphasizing the need for reliable evidence that goes beyond visual representations on a computer screen.

Speaking to DailyMail.com outside the court, Aidala stressed that a human being's firsthand observation holds more weight when identifying potential criminal activities. He highlighted the importance of determining the operability of the firearm, stating, "So they have to prove that the gun worked... then they'll have a witness who actually saw her with a gun."

The judge set Vernikov's next court appearance for January 24th and ordered her not to possess any firearms in the meantime. Outside the Kings County Court, dozens of protestors gathered, calling for Vernikov's resignation and urging for a ceasefire in the war-torn Middle East.

Amidst growing tensions, one protestor expressed their concerns, stating, "It's important that we're coming out today making it loud and clear in the courts and across New York City that what Vernikov did was a crime... she must resign from her role as city council cause that is not any way a public official should act."

Vernikov surrendered herself to the New York Police Department (NYPD) after her appearance at CUNY's Flatbush campus, where hundreds had gathered in support of Palestine following recent conflict between Israel and Hamas. The 39-year-old councilwoman was charged with criminal possession of a weapon and subsequently released with a desk appearance ticket. She was also ordered to surrender her Smith & Wesson 9 millimeter gun, along with her concealed carry license, which she had obtained just last month.

The incident has spurred debate over the appropriateness of bringing firearms to protests and school grounds, which are considered "sensitive locations." As the case progresses, the court will continue to examine the evidence and determine the veracity of the charges against Vernikov.

Inna Vernikov city councilwoman arraigned on firearms charges after wearing a gun on her waist at a pro-Palestine rally at CUNY's Brooklyn College. Lawyer questions validity of social media photo used as evidence.