Jumaane Williams Found Guilty Of Obstructing Ambulance

BROOKLYN, NEW YORK — A jury found City Councilman Jumaane Williams guilty of blocking an ambulance during a protest against immigration activist Ravi Ragbir’s deportation, but found him not guilty of obstructing police efforts or disorderly conduct.

"Today's rulings validate what I have known to be true, that the actions for which I was arrested were necessary and impactful," said Williams. "I am glad that the jury saw that the actions of myself and the seventeen others arrested alongside me were reasonable and necessary.”

Williams, the lieutenant governor candidate who represents Flatbush, was tried in Manhattan Criminal Courtafter he joined dozens of protesters in stopping an ambulance from reaching Ragbir, who had just been arrested by ICE agents, during a Jan. 11 protest.

Williams’ attorneys Rhiya Trivedi and Ron Kuby argued in the court trial, which began on July 31, that the city councilman was justified in preventing Ragbir’s deportation because the NYPD and ICE agents’ arrest had been unlawful in a sanctuary city.

The Brooklyn city councilman, who was arrested and held in custody for several hours, was sentenced to time served, even though he could have faced up to a year in prison, city records show.

Jury foreman Eric Declercq told the New York Post the jury decided William’s protest was justified, but not stopping an ambulance.

“He can’t stand in front of an ambulance,” Declercq said. “No one has that right.”

Ragbir, who was released after a federal judge ruled ICE's actions were unconstitutional, released a statement in support of Williams.

"I am very disappointed that Jumaane has a conviction on his record because of his actions to defend me,” Ragbir said.

“My wife, my friends and I are forever grateful that he took those courageous steps to fight back against our inhumane and brutal deportation system and I hope others will take up this spirit of action."

Photo caption: Councilman Jumaane Williams protests as ICE detains community leader and activist Ravi Ragbir. Photo courtesy of Kevin Fagan/Councilman Jumaane Williams' office.