Public Defenders
PD resigns after video is said to show her tearing down posters of Hamas hostages
A lawyer who worked for New York County Defender Services has resigned after a viral video purportedly showed her tearing down posters displaying hostages held by Hamas. Image from Shutterstock.
A lawyer who worked for New York County Defender Services has resigned after a viral video purportedly showed her tearing down posters displaying hostages held by Hamas.
The lawyer, Victoria Ruiz, has resigned following an internal investigation, a representative from Ruiz’s employer said Tuesday.
Above the Law, 1010 WINS, the New York Post and Fox News have coverage.
Before Ruiz’s resignation, a spokesperson for New York County Defender Services told 1010 WINS that Ruiz had “apologized to those who were hurt or confused by her actions. After an internal review, and a pledge by all involved to do better, we accept this apology and now refocus on the vigorous pursuit of our mission: achieving justice and dignity for every individual we represent.”
The spokesperson said the incident happened when Ruiz attended a public vigil as a private citizen.
“Some of her actions at the event have drawn sharp criticism. and we strongly condemn them as highly insensitive,” the spokesperson said.
Ruiz’s apology note said the video “misrepresented my actions and has led to false accusations. I regret taking down two posters that had egregious depictions and words justifying killing children.”
