Credit: John Tabacco via Facebook
tabacco
New York (77WABC) – Republican State Senator Andrew Lanza is calling for an investigation into the arrest of Staten Island activist John Tabacco, who was charged with criminal trespass after refusing to wear a mask during a ballot-counting session at the Board of Elections’ borough headquarters.
Tabacco told the New York Post that he submitted a health screening when he arrived last Thursday to serve as a ballot-counting monitor. A questionnaire that was filled out stated that if he was vaccinated, a mask was optional.
When the vaccinated Tabacco tried to enter the counting room without a mask, he says he was physically confronted and then arrested by police.
Update on @BOENYC, @senatorlanza now calls for heads to roll. “Anthony Andriulli and Don Bosco have proved by their actions they lack the judgement and demeanor to continue to serve in their current positions” Full Statement:⬇️⬇️ @nypost @errollouis @LidiaNews @frankmorano pic.twitter.com/iausVmLSbO
— WiseGuys (@JohnnyTabacco) July 17, 2021
“When a poll watcher that is lawfully present is removed and arrested for having broken no laws, our democracy is under attack,” Lanza said in a statement. “I am calling for a full investigation.”
“We are a country of laws, and you don’t arrest people unless they are committing a crime,” Lanza added.
Tabacco is currently on the November ballot as an independent candidate for NYC Comptroller. In a report from the Staten Island Advance, Board of Elections spokeswoman Valerie Diaz said that Tabacco was being disruptive over the mask policy.
“The safety of the staff and public is of the utmost importance for the board,” Diaz said. “As such, board policy is that all must wear a mask.
