NIGHTMARE In The Court Room When A Swarm Takes Over


Albany City Court was closed for fumigation Tuesday after a protester released hundreds of cockroaches during an arraignment for tenant advocates who’d been arrested at a good cause eviction rally in the state capital last month.

One of the activists supporting the defendants was placed in handcuffs after she tried to recover her phone, which court personnel had confiscated when she began filming the proceeding.

Tenant advocate Clyanna Lightbourn, was fired from her job at the state Senate Democratic Conference Services Office following the arrest. Lightbourn allegedly created a distraction so the cockroaches could be released.

As that dispute played out, another person dropped cockroach-infested lettuce leaves, which had been smuggled into the courtroom, onto the floor.

“What transpired is not advocacy or activism, it is criminal behavior with the intent to disrupt a proceeding and cause damage,” said Lucian Chalfen, a spokesperson for the state Office of Court Administration.

Others may be charged as an investigation continues, Chalfen said.

“While the incident remains under investigation, the office of the district attorney would like to emphasize that while the right to protest is protected, we oppose the disruption of court proceedings, and the apparent display of disrespect shown to the court,” the statement said.

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