A sentencing hearing in New York was unexpectedly delayed earlier this month after a court-appointed attorney launched into a political rant that prompted his removal from the courtroom.

On April 7, Daquan Arrington appeared before Albany County Court Judge Thomas Marcelle for sentencing after he pleaded guilty in the June 2024 shooting death of 27-year-old Javon Ward.

Arrington, one of two men charged in the killing, was expecting to receive his sentence when his public defender, Timothy Berry, took the opportunity to address the court.

Rather than focusing on his client’s case, Berry launched into a tirade about gun violence, income inequality, and Israel’s war in Gaza.

“The political system has been unwilling and unable to address the gun violence throughout this country,” Berry began. “We have a country that glorifies violence, glorifies guns, and does nothing to stop their proliferation throughout society.”

He continued, “I am speaking to the larger issue of the glorification of violence and guns in the United States of America. The massive wealth inequality and resource inequality, and the effect that is having on our political system as the autocratic billionaires seek to take control and destroy the Constitution. We have a government that has refused to address a genocide that is going on in Gaza!”

Judge Marcelle repeatedly interrupted Berry and attempted to cut his statement short.

“Okay, that’s enough, Mr. Berry,” Marcelle said. “Your comments are out of order. You’re done. You are done!”

Berry replied, “The federal government is seeking to silence!”

The judge responded, “I’m seeking to silence you.”

Marcelle eventually held Berry in contempt of court and ordered court officers to remove him.

Following the outburst from the lawyer, Marcelle addressed Arrington directly.

“You’re entitled to someone who represents you, and not use you as a political pawn for whatever political issue that he may have, so I apologize to you, sir,” the judge said.

The sentencing was postponed to allow Arrington time to secure appropriate legal representation.

Watch the clip above via NYT NewsChannel 13 on YouTube, or the full video here.

The post WATCH: Public Defender Dragged From Court WILDLY Ranting on Gaza, ‘Genocide’ & ‘Autocratic Billionaires’ at Homicide Sentencing first appeared on Mediaite.

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