A New York Democratic congressional candidate has sparked controversy with comments on a recent shooting involving an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer. Darializa Avila Chevalier told Twitch streamer Hasan Piker that the fact a 28-year-old Dominican Republic national, Oscar Belgal, had a criminal record "doesn't even matter." Belgal was shot by an ICE officer during a targeted operation to arrest him, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
The Department of Homeland Security said Belgal refused to comply with lawful orders from the officers, who were attempting to arrest him. The NYPD Commissioner, Jessica Tisch, has stated that Belgal had two prior arrests, including for robbery and the criminal sale of a controlled substance. The Department of Homeland Security also reported that Belgal has a prior grand larceny conviction and previous arrests for assault, robbery, drug possession, and weapons possession.
Chevalier's comments were made in response to Tisch's remarks highlighting Belgal's criminal history. Chevalier and Piker argued that Belgal's past crimes did not justify the use of force by the ICE officer. Chevalier stated that "it doesn't even matter" what Belgal's rap sheet was, and that the focus should be on the shooting itself.
The New York State Republican Committee has criticized Chevalier's comments, calling them "further proof" that the Democratic Party has become extremist. The committee's communications director, David Laska, stated that the facts of the case are clear, and that the ICE officer used lawful force to apprehend Belgal, who was resisting arrest.
NTC Report coverage is based on reporting from the original publisher.
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