Paladino draws criticism after suggesting violence in social media post

In a post on the social media site X, Queens City Councilmember Vickie Paladino seemed to imply that a city reporter should be punched in the face.  Screenshot via X

By Ryan Schwach

Queens City Councilmember Vickie Paladino, who is no stranger to social media spats and controversy, drew criticism online and from the Council's leadership on Tuesday after she posted a seemingly violent message directed at a member of New York City’s press corps.

In a tweet sent out late Monday night, Paladino, a Republican who represents Northern Queens in the Council, reposted a video from transportation-based news outlet StreetsBlog on X, in which its reporter spoke about a federal probe into how NYPD officers park their personal cars around precincts. Commenting on the video, Paladino wrote on her personal account: “You can just tell when a guy has never been punched in the face,” seemingly mocking StreetsBlog deputy editor David Meyer.

The post quickly led to criticism on the platform formally known as Twitter and by her colleagues in the Council.

“This is completely unacceptable for a sitting elected official,” posted Open Plans Co-Executive Director Sara Lind. “What is [the City Council] going to do about her behavior?”

Paladino doubled down on her tweet in a statement to the Eagle on Tuesday, suggesting without evidence that those behind the video were “marxist dorks.”

“Nitpicking the parking of our police and fire fighters outside their own station house is contemptible,” she said.

Paladino did not provide further comment on the content of her tweet.

In a post of his own on Tuesday, Meyer tried to set the record straight.

“I have been punched in the face [by the way],” he wrote.

This is not the first time in recent weeks Paladino has gotten in trouble for a tweet seemingly endorsing criminal activity.

Earlier this month, hot off the start of congestion pricing, Paladino made a post informing her followers that they could buy laser pointers online and use them to break congestion pricing cameras.

“So if you buy one of these lasers, be sure to NOT point them at any cameras, because they could be permanently damaged!” the post said.

Paladino’s social media has long been a powerful tool for the Republican councilmember. And while her social media has come to define her voice in many ways, it’s unclear if it’s actually her words and thoughts being shared with her 30,500 followers or those of her son, Thomas Paladino Jr.

In a recent profile on the lawmaker in City & State, Paldino and her son suggested the account was a collaborative effort.

“You know who helps me write my Twitter,” she told City & State, referring to her son.

A spokesperson for the City Council told the Eagle that the tweet sent by Paladino this week was not “behavior that the Council expects of its members.”

“This type of violent rhetoric is unacceptable and can lead to a dangerous escalation that undermines public safety,” the spokesperson said. “Any action related to this would have to go through the review process established for councilmembers, who are elected officials chosen by voters.”

Any sanctions or punishment for the tweet would go through the Council’s Standards and Ethics committee. It’s unclear if the committee is looking into the social media post.

Paladino has been punished by the Council for remarks she made online in the past.

In 2023, she was booted from her assignment on the Committee on Mental Health, Disabilities, and Addiction as retribution for anti-LGBTQ+ remarks she made the year prior.