Congressman Says NY Lawyer Can't Get Away With Racist Rant
*By Conor White*
The video of a racist rant by a New York lawyer that spread widely on the Internet this week is a shocking example of the impudence of racists and xenophobes, said Representative Adriano Espaillat, a Democrat from New York.
"It's an air of intolerance that is gripping the nation," said Espaillat, who was the first formerly undocumented immigrant to serve in Congress. "And it's people like this attorney, that think they are above the law, and think that they can do these things and get away with them."
The video shows Aaron Schlossberg, a 42 year old lawyer, berating the employees at a Fresh Kitchen in Midtown Manhattan for speaking to customers in Spanish. Schlossberg also threatened to call Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.
In an interview Thursday on Cheddar, Espaillat said there's no room for such hate in America, and he blamed President Trump for emboldening people like Schlossberg.
"It's very toxic rhetoric that is poisoning the atmosphere," Espaillat said. "And one cannot predict the type of harm that this rhetoric could have across the population."
The Congressman filed a formal grievance against Schlossberg with the New York State Unified Court System, and he said he and his office will welcome whatever the disciplinary committee ultimately decides.
For the full interview, [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/fighting-hate-in-america).
An Associated Press analysis of more than 130 bills in 40 state legislatures found of the proposals, as introduced or passed, are identical or very similar to some model legislation, the AP found.
A new poll finds that most U.S. adults say they are highly concerned about how the nation's economy would be affected if the debt limit isn't increased and the government can't pay its debts.
Orlando, FL Mayor Buddy Dyer spoke with Cheddar News about what's in store this summer for his city as Memorial Day weekend kicks off next week and how his administration is navigating certain political challenges.
The Walt Disney Co. says it's scrapping plans to build a new campus in central Florida and relocate 2,000 employees from Southern California to work in digital technology, finance and product development.
News 12 reporter Tara Rosenblum sat down for an exclusive interview with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. who announced his campaign for the 2024 Democratic presidential nomination in April.
