Brad Lander says Manhattan U.S. attorney office’s ‘seriousness in jeopardy’ after he’s acquitted of violation over 26 Federal Plaza protest arrest

Brad Lander criticized Manhattan’s U.S. attorney's office after being acquitted of blocking elevators during a protest at 26 Federal Plaza. A federal judge ruled there was no evidence of obstruction, dismissing the case against Lander, who was arrested with 10 other officials demanding access to immigrant detention facilities. Prosecutors faced scrutiny for pursuing a low-level violation without substantial cross-examining Lander.