New Jersey Councilman Arrested for Activating Fire Alarm at City Hall
Luis Velez, a councilman in Paterson, New Jersey, was arrested on Tuesday and is facing charges for allegedly activating a fire alarm inside City Hall. The incident has drawn significant attention, with the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office stating that Velez is accused of creating a false public alarm.
The 58-year-old councilman has denied the charges, while video footage reviewed by local media reportedly shows him and two unidentified women strolling through City Hall on September 8, 2024. The video depicts Velez entering a separate room and later exiting while appearing to engage with various items along a wall. Following this interaction, the fire alarm was triggered, prompting an evacuation of the building.
Authorities indicated that the alarm activation occurred without any legitimate fire or emergency situation being present at the time. The prosecutor’s office noted that Velez was seen tampering with the fire alarm box prior to its activation, further raising the seriousness of the allegations against him.
In response to the charges, Velez’s legal counsel has condemned the accusations, labeling them as frivolous. Michael P. De Marco, the attorney representing Velez, emphasized the councilman’s innocence and expressed concern over the utilization of taxpayer resources in such a matter. Velez, known for being an outspoken advocate for Paterson’s 5th Ward, has aspirations to run for mayor of the city in the next election cycle.
The case unfolds amid an increasingly tense political landscape in Paterson, where issues of accountability and public safety are at the forefront of civic discussion. As the councilman prepares to defend himself, the implications of this incident could resonate throughout the community, particularly in light of Velez’s impending political aspirations.
The situation has garnered attention not only for the legal ramifications but also for its potential impact on local governance and public trust. With Velez poised to contest for a significant political role, the outcome of this case might influence both his present circumstances and future ambitions within the political sphere in Paterson.
As developments continue, many are watching closely to see how the judicial process unfolds and what it may mean for Velez and the citizens of Paterson.
Media News Source
