NY Assemblywoman: Shoplifting Necessities Biological Need

New York State Assemblywoman Emily Gallagher sparked debate this week by arguing that people who shoplift basic necessities such as toothpaste and soap are driven by a "biological need" and should not face arrest or jail time. The Democratic socialist made the remarks during a press conference on August 13, outside the Manhattan Criminal Court, alongside members of the group Court Watch NYC.

Gallagher, who represents Brooklyn's 50th Assembly District, cited findings from Court Watch NYC that it had monitored 360 arraignments over four days, discovering that more than half involved misdemeanor offenses. "Most of what we saw were crimes of poverty-people who are stealing things like toothpaste, people who are stealing things like, you know, soap," she stated. "And that means if you're stealing those things, you need them."

The assemblywoman framed the issue as a conflict between corporate interests and vulnerable citizens. "We are choosing to protect billion-dollar companies, like CVS and Walgreens, over the people who are struggling to get by," she said. "So I would say that the true crime is that there is such incredible wealth disparity in this city that there are people who...