Body camera video released by Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) police shows "The View" co-host Sunny Hostin identifying herself as a "former federal prosecutor" after her son, Gabriel Hostin, was stopped for trespassing on Metro-North railroad property. The incident occurred on June 16.
Officers observed the 23-year-old Gabriel Hostin on the Metro-North railroad right-of-way near the New Rochelle station, an area marked with "NO TRESPASSING" signs. Police stated he was seen running near an electrified third rail before being stopped. A background check revealed no criminal history.
After arriving at the scene, Sunny Hostin identified herself to officers and emphasized her son's background, stating, "He's a Harvard graduate. He doesn't have a criminal record. He's not a kid who's ever in trouble. It's an innocent mistake."
Officers explained that while they were reducing the charge to a trespass violation due to his clean record and cooperation, his presence on the active railroad right-of-way was a serious matter. "We're dimming it down to a trespass violation because you were in the right-of-way," one officer told Gabriel Hostin. "We know you're not a criminal or anything like that, but our hands are tied with cameras everywhere."
Gabriel Hostin is scheduled to appear in New Rochelle City Court on July 31. According to charging documents, officers alleged they observed him on the active railroad right-of-way in violation of posted "NO TRESPASSING" signs. The citation narrative detailed officers observing him on the railroad right-of-way before conducting a warrant check that came back negative and issuing him an appearance ticket for trespass.
Court records also include photographs of warning signs reading, "NO TRESPASSING – PRIVATE PROPERTY – VIOLATORS WILL BE PROSECUTED," posted near the entrance to the property, along with images of a gated access point.
In a letter obtained by TMZ, Hostin reportedly argued that her son mistakenly entered the property while jogging, mistaking an area for a gravel incline suitable for training. She stated the entrance gate was open and the "No Trespassing" sign was not clearly visible upon entry.