Murdered activist Ryan Carson’s girlfriend calls for apology from GOP Council member over false statements about her.
The girlfriend of Ryan Carson, a murdered social justice advocate, has called for an apology from Republican City Council member Vickie Paladino, alleging that Paladino made “demonstrably false” statements regarding her response to the tragic event. Claudia Morales has criticized Paladino for suggesting in a tweet that her political beliefs influenced her behavior immediately following the stabbing of Carson.
On October 2, 2023, Carson, 32, and Morales, 30, were seated on a bench in Bedford-Stuyvesant when Brian Dowling, an 18-year-old, fatally stabbed Carson in what was described as an unprovoked attack. Following the incident, Morales contacted law enforcement without delay. In the wake of the attack, particularly after a tweet by Paladino, Morales has voiced concerns over how these political allegations have impacted her personally.
In her tweets, Paladino implied that Morales, who is associated with the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), had withheld crucial information during the investigation to hinder the prosecution of the suspect, who ultimately did not evade justice. Dowling was sentenced to 20 years to life in February, a fact that counters claims made by Paladino that the alleged murderer “walked free.”
Morales has formally demanded that Paladino cease communications that could damage her reputation and issue a public apology. Through a cease-and-desist letter from her attorney, Morales expressed the emotional distress caused by these accusations, which have resulted in personal attacks and threats online.
Speaker Adrienne Adams’s spokesperson stated that while Adams cannot unilaterally discipline council members, the matter has been forwarded to the Council’s Committee on Standards and Ethics for review. Adams herself has condemned Paladino’s comments as “disgusting and offensive.”
Paladino’s remarks have been criticized for not only distorting what transpired but also for creating a hostile environment for victims of violent crime and their families. Morales remarked on the profound effect of being targeted by an elected official, describing it as re-traumatizing.
Carson was known for his significant contributions to the New York Public Interest Research Group as a public policy campaign manager. Despite the troubling circumstances, Morales has stated her determination to remain active on social media, where she met Carson, and reject any attempt to marginalize her voice.
This incident has highlighted the intersection of personal tragedy and political discourse, raising questions about the responsibilities of public officials in their communications and the consequences of their statements.
