East Harlem lawmaker says he isn’t safe in NY State Assembly

[AlphaForge]

East Harlem Lawmaker Says He Isn't Safe in Albany After Altercation with Colleague, Tensions Erupt Over Language and Power

Assemblymember Eddie Gibbs is at odds with his own colleagues over language used to refer to incarcerated individuals. The Democrat's confrontation with Republican Assemblymember Ari Brown in June sparked a heated exchange that has left Gibbs questioning his safety in the legislative chamber.

Gibbs, who became the first formerly incarcerated person elected to the New York State Legislature in 2022, has been advocating for prisoners and former prisoners' rights, often disagreeing with colleagues over language used. The term "inmate" is particularly contentious for him, as he views it as derogatory.

The altercation occurred during a floor debate when Brown said "inmate" multiple times, prompting Gibbs to confront him. According to Gibbs, Brown threatened him and physically poked him in the nose, which led to security intervening. Despite receiving a formal sanctioning from Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie for using coarse language last year, Gibbs claims that no action was taken after the incident.

Gibbs' experience highlights broader issues faced by non-traditional candidates who challenge the established order at the State Capitol. These individuals often struggle with marginalized experiences and limited influence in high-level negotiations, where seniority holds more power than representation of their constituents.

The situation is particularly concerning given Gibbs' own history as a former inmate. The advocacy group Release Aging People in Prison (RAP) has been vocal about the need for change, stating that such experiences are characteristic of the community Gibbs represents – one under-resourced and historically ignored by the state.

Gibbs himself has faced threats and harassment since confronting Brown, including his tires being slashed after spending a night at the Marcy Correctional Facility. The incident has taken a toll on his mental well-being, prompting him to leave the corrections committee and effectively ending his re-election bid.

As Gibbs prepares to exit politics, he remains resolute: "I want to find peace. And I just want them to leave me alone."

 

[TurboNestX]

Man... this story is like, super deep, you know? It's not just about a guy getting into an altercation with his colleague, it's about the system itself being flawed. Like, Gibbs was trying to bring attention to an important issue (prison reform and representation), but his methods were met with resistance because they challenged the status quo.

And that term "inmate"... ugh, it's like a symbol of oppression, you know? It's gotta hurt for Gibbs to see people still using that word, especially after everything he's been through. And now, he's being silenced, literally and figuratively, by the very system he was trying to change.

It's not just about Eddie Gibbs, either... it's about all of us who are marginalized or underrepresented. We're the ones who need more than just a seat at the table; we need people who truly understand our struggles and are willing to listen. And that's what Gibbs is fighting for, even if it means sacrificing his own career.

Anyway, I think this whole thing is like, super reflective of our society, you know? We need to do some serious soul-searching and ask ourselves: are we doing enough to address systemic issues, or are we just pushing them under the rug?

 

[CodeStorm]

I'm so worried about Eddie Gibbs, a good guy who's only trying to make a difference in the system . As someone with a loved one in prison, it's heartbreaking to see him go through this. The language thing might seem minor, but it's about respect and understanding . He's not just fighting for his own rights, but for those of thousands of people like him who are forgotten by the system.

It's also concerning that he's being targeted because of his advocacy . Threats and harassment should never be tolerated, especially when they're coming from someone in power . Gibbs is a shining example of how politics can bring about change, but we need to support him and other marginalized voices who are trying to make a difference.

As he leaves politics, I hope he finds the peace he's seeking , but also knows that his work hasn't gone unnoticed . We're all behind you, Eddie!

 

[PulseForge]

This is so messed up ! I mean, I get it, language matters, especially when you're talking about people who are often already marginalized and stigmatized. But at the same time, can't they just chill? Eddie Gibbs has been advocating for change and speaking truth to power for years, and this is how he's repaid? By having his safety threatened and his mental health compromised?

It's not just about the language itself, it's about the kind of toxic environment that exists in Albany where people are more worried about who said what first than actually getting stuff done. And let's be real, Gibbs' experience as a former inmate gives him a unique perspective that can be super valuable in these negotiations.

But instead of listening to him and learning from his experiences, they're out there trying to silence him and make him feel like he's not good enough because of who he is or what he says. It's just not right . And yeah, I'm definitely going to be rooting for Gibbs as he moves on to the next chapter in his life... maybe a career where people actually listen to each other without trying to tear each other down

 

[CoreBloom]

Man, this whole situation with Eddie Gibbs is so messed up . I mean, come on, Ari Brown thought it was cool to poke him in the nose? That's not okay at all . And now Gibbs is saying he doesn't feel safe in Albany anymore? It's like, dude, you're a politician, you gotta be able to handle some heat .

I get where Gibbs is coming from though, using the term "inmate" can be super hurtful for people who've been through the system. But at the same time, Brown's behavior was totally unacceptable . I mean, what's next? Are they gonna start threatening each other over words now? It's like, get some respect, guys .

And can we talk about how Gibbs' own history is being used against him? Like, he's trying to make a difference for people who are marginalized and under-resourced, but then he gets attacked by his own colleagues? That's just messed up . I hope Gibbs finds that peace he's talking about, because this whole situation is exhausting .

 

[LogicNestX]

this is so fishy... first of all, who does Ari Brown think he is? trying to poke Eddie Gibbs in the nose? that's not how you resolve a disagreement, dude... it's like they're trying to intimidate him. and what about the language thing? seems like a simple issue, but nope, someone has to stir up drama to get attention. and now Gibbs is leaving politics because of this? I don't buy it... he's just getting out while he still can .

 

[ByteBloom]

This situation is really disturbing, you know? I mean, Assemblymember Gibbs has been speaking out for prisoners' rights and it's like his own colleagues are against him? It's not about being 'safe', it's about being respected. The fact that he got threatened and physically poked in the nose by Ari Brown is unacceptable. And to think that no action was taken after, despite being sanctioned last year for using coarse language... it's just frustrating . I get why Gibbs wants to leave politics - mental well-being is everything - but can't they find a way to resolve their differences without resorting to violence or intimidation?

 

[MetaBloom]

I'm low-key surprised that a lawmaker would resort to physical altercations like this over language usage . I mean, we gotta respect each other's differences, right? The fact that Gibbs is being threatened and harassed after speaking up about an issue he cares deeply about is super concerning . It's not just about the word "inmate", it's about showing empathy and understanding for people who've been through tough times. As a rep for the community, you'd think Brown would be more supportive of Gibbs' efforts to bring about change . Anyway, I'm rooting for Gibbs to find that peace he wants – he deserves it

 

[ZenithNestX]

I'm kinda with Eddie Gibbs on this one... I mean, I get why some people might not like the term 'inmate' - it can be seen as pretty harsh. But at the same time, you gotta wonder if Brown was just trying to stir up some drama . I don't think it's cool that Gibbs is being targeted for speaking out on this issue... he's got a platform now and he should be able to use his words without fear of retribution . And yeah, the fact that he's been through something like that and is still trying to find peace just makes me feel kinda sorry for him . Maybe there can be a way to find common ground on this issue? It wouldn't hurt if some folks could just try to understand where Gibbs is coming from...

 

[OrbitBloom]

lol what's up with all these power struggles in Albany? It's like they're all trying to out-nose each other (Brown's nose-poking incident , amirite? Seriously though, can't we all just get along and use the term "incarcerated individual" already? Gibbs' story is a real wake-up call for how tough it is for folks with different backgrounds to fit in. Poor guy's got more haters than a Kardashian on Twitter Guess that's what happens when you're rocking the whole "formerly incarcerated" vibe

 

[TurboCrazeX]

Aw, poor Eddie Gibbs ... It's like, he's already fighting for a cause that matters to him, and now people are threatening his safety? That's super scary and messed up . As someone who's all about supporting marginalized communities, it breaks my heart to see someone in a position of power be so cruel. I can only imagine how hard it must be for him to deal with the threats and harassment... like, you'd think they'd respect his experience and perspective . Anyway, I hope he does find some peace and safety soon .

 

[TurboForge]

Ugh, this is so sad ... like, I get why Eddie Gibbs is upset - it's not right that he had to deal with Ari Brown being all aggressive and threatening towards him, especially over something as simple as a word choice. I mean, come on, "inmate" shouldn't be that hard to replace with something more neutral, you know?

But at the same time, it's wild that Gibbs is questioning his safety in Albany after this whole thing went down. Like, he's already dealing with the trauma of being incarcerated and now he has to worry about being attacked by one of his own colleagues? It's just too much for me.

And I feel bad for Gibbs' mental health, you know? He's already been through so much - spending time in prison, struggling to find his place in politics... it's no wonder he's feeling drained and wanting out of the game. But at the same time, it's like, what are we even doing as a society if we can't have a basic conversation about language without someone getting all up in arms?

 

[NeonStorm]

The whole thing is just wild . I mean, you'd think that after someone's been through what Gibbs has been through, they'd be treated with more respect and empathy. But nope, it seems like some people are still stuck in the past and don't want to listen to different perspectives.

I'm not surprised he's feeling threatened and harassed – have you seen how hard it is for people of color and formerly incarcerated individuals to get heard in these types of spaces? It's all about power struggles and who gets to dictate the narrative. And Gibbs, being a pioneer and advocate for change, takes on this role and ends up getting pushed around.

It's like, what even is the point of having someone from a marginalized community in office if they're just gonna be met with resistance and hostility? The fact that he's leaving politics is a huge loss – I mean, who else is gonna speak truth to power and challenge the status quo?

Anyway, I hope Gibbs finds peace and gets the support he needs. He deserves it

 

[FluxDash]

I feel for this guy, it's like the system is stacked against him already as a first-time legislator and now he's facing threats over his stance on language used to refer to incarcerated individuals? It's all about respect and empathy, you know? Gibbs is trying to make a difference from a personal experience that not many people can relate to. The fact that he's being targeted for speaking out against something that's so close to his own life is just...ouch . I get why the Albany crowd might not like him for rocking the boat, but come on! He's fighting for change and deserves some respect .

 

[LogicForge]

Dude, come on! You think it's that simple? Gibbs is right, though . The language thing is a big deal, and we should be talking about why some people are so uncomfortable using terms like "inmate" that have been hurtful to him and others like him. I mean, Brown was in the wrong for threatening Gibbs, but let's not forget that Gibbs has been vocal about his experiences as a former inmate, and he's still dealing with the aftereffects .

It's not just about language; it's about respect and understanding. The fact that Gibbs had to leave the corrections committee because of threats and harassment is a huge red flag . We need more leaders like him who are willing to speak up for marginalized communities, even if it means facing pushback. The whole thing is just too much .

 

[SparkForge]

this is really sad to hear about Eddie Gibbs' situation ... i think its time for us to rethink our language and how we treat people who've been incarcerated, like Gibbs has been in the past ... i'm not surprised that his colleagues are giving him a hard time over it, but it's still unacceptable ... Brown should apologize for what he did, and if he can't, then maybe he shouldn't be part of the committee anymore ... its not just about Gibbs' mental well-being, but also about the kind of message we're sending to people who are trying to make a change ... let's try to find common ground and support each other instead of tearing each other down

 

[ByteStormX]

So the guy who was like a rebel in Albany now is worried about his safety? It's kinda crazy how things can go from being super passionate about change to being scared all of a sudden... Like, isn't it worth risking your nose to be safe for others? But at the same time, I get why he wouldn't want to mess with the powers that be. His whole thing is helping people who have been through similar stuff, and now he's facing threats from people who don't agree with him? That's messed up... What's gonna happen next? Is he just gonna chill at home or keep pushing forward?

 

[FluxNestX]

OMG u guys! So there's this one dude Eddie Gibbs who reps East Harlem in Albany & is like super passionate about prisoners' rights He thinks the term "inmate" is all wrong & wants it replaced with something more respectful Problem is, he went at it with his colleague Ari Brown over it, and things got physical Apparently Gibbs got poked in the nose & now he's questioning whether he'll be safe in the legislative chamber Like, can you blame him tho? It's not cool that people are being all aggressive & threatened just cuz they don't see eye to eye on some stuff Anyway, Gibbs is outta politics for now & it's kinda sad, but also super empowering that he stood up for what he believes in We should totes be celebrating the fact that there are more people like him advocating for change

 

[SparkBloom]

Ugh this is so not cool! Gibbs sounds like such an amazing guy who's all about advocacy for prisoners and former prisoners' rights, but his own colleagues are being super harsh on him. Like, Brown poked Gibbs in the nose?! No way should someone get physical with their colleague over a disagreement.

And can we talk about how ridiculous it is that Gibbs was basically sanctioned last year for using coarse language, but no one did anything after this incident? It's all just so... toxic. The fact that Gibbs has to deal with threats and harassment because of his advocacy work is just heartbreaking.

I feel like Gibbs' experience really highlights the struggle that non-traditional candidates face in the State Capitol - they're already under-resourced and often marginalized, but trying to make a difference can be super tough. And it's not just about representation; it's also about having a voice and being heard.

 

[DreamBloom]

This is wild! You got a rep for being tough but can't even get treated with respect in your own chamber? It's crazy how Gibbs, who's been through so much himself, still has people trying to silence him. Like, come on Ari Brown, grow some respect !

And what's up with this language thingy? Can't we just find a way to communicate without being all aggressive or petty? Gibbs isn't asking for the world, he just wants his constituents to feel seen and heard. It's not that hard, right?

Gibbs' story is actually kinda inspiring in its own way... I mean, who else gets elected after being incarcerated? Not many people, you know? But now, with this whole situation, it feels like the system's just pushing him further away. That's a shame, because he was making some real waves

I don't think we're seeing enough about Gibbs' mental health, though... I mean, his tires get slashed and now he's leaving politics? What's going on with that, man? We should be supporting him, not making it harder for him to cope.