Sunny Hostin, a host on ABC’s talk show The View, was recently filmed in a moment with police as she tried to dissuade them from arresting her son for trespassing.
Gabriel, her son, was taken into custody on June 16 for “trespassing” near the Metro-North Railroad tracks in Westchester County. Hostin arrived shortly after his arrest, attempting to advocate for him. This interaction was recorded on the police body camera, as reported.
Law enforcement responded after spotting Hostin’s son near active railroad tracks, where there was a visible “no trespassing” sign.
Gabriel claimed he was simply jogging and noticed an open railroad gate that prompted him to enter.
Shortly after the situation escalated, Hostin arrived and was heard telling the officers, “I’m a former federal prosecutor.”
She also asserted, “He’s a Harvard graduate who teaches geometry to fourth graders in the South Bronx.” She insisted, “He’s not the kind of kid to get into trouble. It was an innocent mistake.”
The video captured Gabriel pleading with police, asking, “Is this necessary?” and trying to persuade them not to issue any citations. “What happens if I don’t?” he inquired.
However, officers explained that this behavior constituted an “arrestable offense.”
“It’s an arrestable offense. I want to emphasize that being on the railroad tracks is indeed an arrestable offense,” one officer explained on the video.
The officer noted that they weren’t intending to arrest him outright but mentioned that Gabriel had already been given considerable leeway.
“We’re treating it lightly because you weren’t physically on the tracks, and you’ve been cooperative,” the officer said. “I know you’re not a criminal, but our hands are tied with all these cameras around.”
Following his arrest, Hostin provided a statement to the Westchester Assistant District Attorney, Amanda Green, revealing that Gabriel believed he could use a gravel slope nearby for training.
“He saw a gravel slope that could be useful for hilly training,” her statement read. “While there was a gate at the entrance, it was open, and therefore my client couldn’t see the no-trespassing sign when entering.”
Hostin has previously expressed fears for her son’s safety, noting her concern that he may be harmed by police due to his race. This incident, however, illustrated a degree of respect and composure from the officers, who ultimately opted to issue a citation instead of making an arrest, even though they could have legally done so.
