New York Lawmaker Faces Criticism for Shoplifting Remarks

New York state Assemblywoman Emily Gallagher is facing criticism for suggesting that prosecuting theft of basic necessities like soap and toothpaste is wrong.

Gallagher stated 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. She argued that poverty can explain why someone commits an offense and that people stealing such items need them. Gallagher made these remarks outside Manhattan Criminal Court alongside criminal justice advocates.

She also criticized the prosecution of shoplifting offenses involving major retailers, stating, "We are choosing to protect billion-dollar companies, like CVS and Walgreens, over the people who are struggling to get by." Former Palm Beach County State Attorney Dave Aronberg told Fox News Digital that poverty is not a permission slip to steal and that prosecution does not always mean incarceration, pointing to diversion programs and other alternatives.

Retired NYPD Sgt. Joe Imperatrice, founder of Blue Lives Matter NYC, urged politicians to focus on crime victims and defended the "Broken Windows" policing strategy.