New York Assemblywoman Emily Gallagher has claimed shoplifting is driven by “biological need,” sparking criticism from law enforcement.
| PULSE POINTS |
❓ WHAT HAPPENED: A far-left New York State Assemblywoman claimed that shoplifting stems from a “biological need” and criticized the prosecution of shoplifters. 📺 DETAIL: On Thursday, New York State Assemblywoman Emily Gallagher (D), a member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), claimed that most shoplifting stems from a “biological need” to acquire necessities, describing such crimes as “crimes of poverty.” She criticized the prosecution of shoplifters and claimed that the “true crime” is the wealth disparity in New York City. Gallagher’s comments have since sparked widespread criticism. “Suggesting that someone who steals toothpaste for the first time is automatically being thrown in jail creates a false picture of how the system actually works. Prosecution does not have to mean incarceration,” said Dave Aronberg, former Palm Beach County State Attorney. Gallagher also accused the justice system of prioritizing the interests of corporations, namely CVS and Walgreens. Gallagher called for an end to “broken windows policing,” which emphasizes addressing minor offenses to prevent escalation to larger crimes. “Broken Windows is a proven theory which holds people accountable for their actions and rightfully so… The tides are turning and everyday New Yorkers are getting sick and tired of this reckless narrative,” said retired New York Police Department Sergeant Joe Imperatrice. 💬 KEY QUOTE: “Most of what we saw were crimes of poverty-people who are stealing things like toothpaste, people who were stealing things like, you know, soap. And that means if you’re stealing those things, you need them. And we are choosing to protect billion-dollar companies, like CVS and Walgreens, over the people who are struggling to get by. So I would say that the true crime is that there is such incredible wealth disparity in this city that there are people who can be thrown in jail simply for having a biological need.” – Emily Gallagher 🎯 IMPACT: Gallagher’s comments highlight the ongoing leftward drift of the Democrats on social policy, including law and order. Gallagher’s comments are likely to reinforce the perception shared by many moderate, Independent, and swing voters that the Democrats are soft on crime and that the party is inclined to prioritize the welfare of criminals over the wider, law-abiding community. As such, the remarks may hurt the party’s electoral prospects in the upcoming midterm elections in November. |
Image by Marc A. Hermann / MTA.
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