Trial centers on whether Brad Lander blocked an elevator but hints at deeper issue

Trial of former New York City comptroller is ‘another example of the Trump administration’s suppression of political dissent’, lawyer argues The trial against senior New York City Democrat Brad Lander, stemming from his arrest during an attempt to inspect rooms holding detained immigrants, involved six hours of litigating elevator logistics in Manhattan federal court on Wednesday. Lander, the former city comptroller now vying for Democratic incumbent Dan Goldman’s congressional district, which encompasses lower Manhattan and north-west Brooklyn, was taken into custody on 18 September last year at 26 Federal Plaza. He was ticketed on a violation for allegedly blocking an elevator bank on the 10th floor of 26 Federal Plaza, the location of major immigration court located in New York City. Ten other local elected officials were also arrested. Lander testified in his defense on Wednesday afternoon. When Lander was officially called to the stand, he sprang up, smiled at the gallery, and buttoned his jacket. Lander said he was at 26 Federal Plaza in his official capacity as comptroller, given that agency’s role in overseeing city agencies – such as the fire and building departments. Ther