The demand to oust a judge from the Oneida County Supreme Court is escalating following an incident where she was involved in a racially offensive and profane verbal altercation outside a graduation party in 2022. Erin P. Gall, an incumbent Justice of the Supreme Court, Fifth Judicial District in Oneida County since 2012, has been recommended for removal by the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct.

During the incident at a high school graduation event in New Hartford on July 2, 2022, where Gall was present, confrontations ensued between her family members and a group of Black teenagers. As the situation escalated, Gall repeatedly referenced her judicial role, made threats of gun violence, and showed bias in favor of the police.

Several law enforcement agencies responded to the scene, with bodycam footage capturing Gall asserting her judicial authority and attempting to influence the officers’ actions by invoking her position. She also made derogatory remarks about the Black teenagers present and expressed partiality towards the police, questioning the use of Extreme Risk Protection Orders.

Gall’s public behavior, including making racially charged comments and threatening violence, has raised concerns about her impartiality as a judge. The Commission ruled that her past trauma and psychological factors do not excuse her misbehavior, labeling her actions as “truly egregious” and unbecoming of a judge.

The Commission has emphasized that it is unacceptable for a judge to exhibit such behaviors that undermine public trust in the judicial system. Gall’s term in office is set to expire on December 31, 2025, but calls for her immediate removal have intensified in light of the Commission’s findings.