New York City public defender Victoria Ruiz stepped down from her position after she was caught tearing down Israeli hostage posters, according to the New York Post.
Ruiz, 36, was seen on video ripping down posters on a city pole of Israelis who were taken hostage by Hamas during the terrorist attack on Oct. 7. The video, which was shared on Twitter by nonprofit group StopAntisemitism, went viral on Sunday shortly after being posted. (RELATED: Pro-Palestine Activist Gets Instant Karma When She Tries Ripping Down Posters Of Missing Israelis)
An individual filming Ruiz can be heard asking the public defender why she was taking “down pictures of missing children.” StopAntisemitism identified Ruiz in their post, calling out the NYC public defender’s office as well.
“New York County public defender Victoria Ruiz caught removing posters of Israeli children kidnapped by Hamas terrorists. It is absolutely unacceptable for someone with such bias and hate to serve in your office @nyc_defenders,” the tweet stated.
NYC – New York County public defender Victoria Ruiz caught removing posters of Israeli children kidnapped by Hamas terrorists.
It is absolutely unacceptable for someone with such bias and hate to serve in your office @nyc_defenders pic.twitter.com/mOwajkuArt
— StopAntisemitism (@StopAntisemites) November 5, 2023
While Ruiz reportedly apologized since the incident, a spokeswoman from her law firm condemned Ruiz’s actions as “highly sensitive,” according to The Jewish Chronicle.
“It has come to our attention that one of our attorneys, Victoria Ruiz, recently attended a public vigil solely in her capacity as a private citizen. Some of her actions at the event have drawn sharp criticism and we strongly condemn them as highly insensitive,” a spokeswoman told the outlet.(RELATED: KJP Refuses To Condemn Pro-Palestine Activists Tearing Down Israeli Hostage Posters)
A petition was also launched on Change.org calling for the dismissal of Ruiz for “unprofessional conduct,” stating that the act was not only “disrespectful” but also “raises serious questions about her ability to provide unbiased legal services.” The petition gained over 2,000 signatures since Sunday.
No information was given regarding Ruiz’s step down other than a rep confirming her resignation, according to the New York Post.