Judge Acquits Brad Lander of Obstruction but Finds He Blocked Federal Building Elevator During Protest

U.S. Magistrate Judge Henry J. Ricardo acquitted Democratic congressional candidate Brad Lander of a misdemeanor obstruction charge on Thursday, June 11, 2026, after a one-day trial in Manhattan federal court.

"I find the defendant not guilty," Ricardo said after reading a lengthy analysis of the evidence and Lander's testimony. The judge ruled that prosecutors failed to prove Lander intended to obstruct elevators or that he was uncooperative when federal officers gave conflicting instructions. The charge arose from Lander's arrest on September 18, 2025, at 26 Federal Plaza.

Prosecutors alleged Lander obstructed an elevator on the 10th floor by sitting in front of it for 20 to 25 minutes. Lander testified he had no intention of disrupting elevator traffic and that no one told him to move or informed him he was obstructing the elevator before his arrest. Lander hugged his lawyers after the verdict.

Lander stated he feels "genuinely moved by the rule of law" and wishes immigrants facing deportation had the same access to legal representation. He rejected a pretrial offer that would have dismissed the charge after six months. Lander was detained in June 2025 at a Manhattan immigration court after linking arms with a person authorities were attempting to detain.

No charges were filed in that case. U.S. Rep. Dan Goldman in the Democratic primary. He is formerly the city's comptroller and an ally of Mayor Zohran Mamdani. The building at 26 Federal Plaza houses 40 federal agencies, including the FBI.