Sunny Hostin, co-host of “The View,” interacted with police after they stopped her son, Gabriel Hostin, for trespassing on Metro-North railroad property. Newly released body camera footage reveals Hostin reminding officers of her background as a “former federal prosecutor” in an effort to avoid severe consequences for her son.
In the video, Hostin is heard stating, “My name is Sunny Hostin and I’m one of the co-hosts of ‘The View’ and I’m a former federal prosecutor.” She made this declaration over the phone while speaking with an officer.
Once at the scene, Hostin continued to defend her son. The video shows her discussing the situation with Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) police, as her son stands nearby. “That’s my son. He’s a Harvard graduate. He doesn’t have a criminal record,” she asserts, emphasizing that it was an “innocent mistake.”
Police stopped Gabriel Hostin near New Rochelle station on June 16. Officers observed him on the railroad’s right-of-way, an area marked with “NO TRESPASSING” signs. MTA police reported the incident to Fox News Digital, stating Gabriel was seen running near an electrified rail.
Gabriel Hostin, 23, was subjected to a criminal background check before officers issued a summons for trespassing. He cooperated with police, had no prior record, and was released on-site. Bodycam footage paints the scene where Gabriel inquiries if the summons is truly necessary. “Because it is an arrestable offense,” responded an officer, clarifying the thoroughness of their actions.
The officer further explained they were considering Gabriel’s lack of a criminal record. “We know you’re not a criminal or anything like that, but our hands are tied with cameras everywhere,” he adds. Hostin reiterated her plea for discretion by saying, “He’s a Harvard grad who teaches fourth-grade geometry to South Bronx kids.”
According to documents retrieved by Fox News Digital, Gabriel Hostin was observed directly on the railroad right-of-way against “NO TRESPASSING” signs. Photographs detail these warnings posted prominently, highlighting the private nature of the property.
Gabriel is set to appear in New Rochelle City Court on July 31. Hostin provided a letter stating her son mistakenly accessed the property while jogging after identifying an incline favorable for training. She noted the open access gate, implying that the “No Trespassing” sign was not visible.
Hostin’s interaction has spurred online discussion, with some conservative voices criticizing her use of her legal background during the encounter. Remarks on social media have drawn parallels with Hostin’s former public statements asserting equality under the law.
Pundits have called Hostin’s past comments into question, contrasting them with this recent event and her attempt to defend her son’s actions.