(WNY News Now) – Brooklyn, NY – May 20, 2024 – The Libertarian Party of New York (LPNY) has strongly denounced the decade-long prison sentence handed down to Dexter Taylor, an amateur gunsmith, for legally purchasing and assembling firearms at his home.
Judge Abena Darkeh, who delivered the verdict, dismissed the relevance of the Second Amendment in her courtroom, stating, “The Second Amendment doesn’t exist in my courtroom.” LPNY is calling for Governor Kathy Hochul to pardon Taylor immediately and to take steps to protect the constitutional freedoms of all New Yorkers.
Jeff Charles, a political commentator from Louisiana, expressed his outrage: “What is being done to Dexter Taylor is a vicious violation of his natural right to keep and bear arms. New York’s government wants to use him to send a message. Dexter is not only fighting for his own freedom, he is also fighting for the rest of us. We can’t allow this to happen because the stakes are far too high. It’s time to stand up and push back against those who would attack our natural rights.”
Dexter Taylor, a 53-year-old Brooklyn resident, was sentenced on May 13, 2024, for possessing and assembling “ghost guns” in his Bushwick apartment. Despite his clean record and law-abiding history, Taylor was convicted on multiple firearms-related charges. The NYPD and ATF’s raid on his home uncovered four AR-15 style rifles, five handguns, four additional rifles, and over 50 rounds of ammunition, along with various gun-building components.
LPNY argues that this severe sentence, influenced by Judge Darkeh’s controversial stance, exemplifies a troubling erosion of constitutional rights under the guise of public safety. The party also highlights the apparent contradiction between Judge Darkeh’s self-professed human rights advocacy and her actions in this case.
Natural Rights Activist Doni Anthony commented, “When a judge decides that a fundamental right, like the Second Amendment, doesn’t apply in their courtroom, they’re not just bending the law—they are breaking it. By declaring this, the judge denied Dexter Taylor his Sixth Amendment right to a fair trial and to present a complete defense. It’s a textbook case for 18 U.S.C. § 242 violations—abuse of judicial power under the guise of legal authority.”
The LPNY is also demanding the removal of Judge Abena Darkeh and District Attorney Eric Gonzalez for their roles in what they describe as a miscarriage of justice. They assert that these officials are using Taylor as a political pawn.
Taylor’s family has set up a legal defense fund to help cover the costs of his ongoing legal battle. The LPNY urges supporters of the Second Amendment and liberty advocates to contribute to his GiveSendGo campaign: Dexter Taylor 2A Legal Fund.
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