A disability rights activist has reported to the New York State Police that State Senator Kevin Parker assaulted him twice at the New York Capitol. Michael Carey, a prominent advocate whose son Jonathan died in state care, claimed the incident occurred after he sought Senator Parker’s support for a bill addressing disability discrimination. Carey described the bill as a “Dr. Martin Luther King type of situation.”
According to Carey, Parker reacted angrily, moving inches from his face and shouting, “I don’t care.” Carey then asked, “You don’t care that my son died?” Parker allegedly grabbed Carey by the shoulders, causing him to stumble, and then pushed him again. Carey expressed his confusion and disbelief, stating, “I was shocked. I couldn’t believe what happened,” during an interview with the Associated Press.
Following the incident, Parker opened a committee meeting with a joke about hoping it would be “as exciting as the pre-game,” but his office did not respond to requests for comment. The New York State Police confirmed they responded to a “disturbance” but did not provide further details. The office of Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins also did not comment.
Senator Parker has a history of violent behavior. In 2005, he was arrested for third-degree assault after allegedly punching a traffic agent over a parking ticket. That same year, his access pass to state buildings was temporarily revoked for security violations. Two former aides accused Parker of physical assault, with one claiming he shoved her and broke her glasses. Though not charged in these incidents, Parker’s aggressive behavior continued. In 2009, he was convicted of misdemeanor criminal mischief after chasing and damaging a New York Post photographer’s camera, leading to his removal as majority whip.
More recently, Parker has been involved in a pending lawsuit accusing him of raping a woman early in his legislative career, an allegation he denies, calling it “absolutely untrue.” Despite this troubling background, Parker remains in office, raising concerns among advocates like Carey, who seek legislative support for critical issues. Carey’s proposed legislation would mandate that staff in state and private facilities report suspected abuse or neglect of vulnerable individuals directly to 911 operators, a measure he believes is essential for protecting those at risk.
The incident between Carey and Parker highlights a larger issue in our political system: the tolerance of aggressive and violent behavior from public officials. It is deeply troubling that a state senator with such a history of violence continues to hold office and influence legislation.
This undermines the integrity of our political institutions and poses a direct threat to vulnerable individuals. Advocates like Carey, who have already suffered immense personal loss, should not have to face intimidation and violence in their fight for justice. The political establishment must take these allegations seriously and hold Senator Parker accountable for his actions to ensure a safer and more respectful environment for all involved in the legislative process.
