Press release: Grasso Calls on Katz to Rescind Endorsement by NYSCOA and/or Repudiate President Quirk

District Attorney Melinda Katz proudly accepted the endorsement of the NYSCOA, whose president is Dennis Quirk, on Monday, January 30th, 2023. President Quirk was suspended from his position as a court officer after endangering then-Chief Judge Janet DiFiore and her family by releasing her home address and her vacation home address publicly on social media. President Quirk released this personal information of the Chief Judge approximately a year after her name and photo were found in the possession of an anti-feminist gunman, who opened fire into the New Jersey home of a female federal judge, killing her son and wounding her husband.

When questioned about his dangerous and malicious actions, President Quirk responded with a sexist and misogynistic slur clearly directed to the Chief Judge. It is also worth noting that President Quirk is the leader of the very union responsible for protecting the former Chief Judge and her family.

Judge Grasso said: “District Attorney Katz claims that she wants to make a “modern” District Attorney’s office. In a recent New York Law Journal interview, she highlighted her office hallway, which is lined with portraits of powerful women in law. Chief Judge Janet DiFiore is the subject of one of those portraits. Yet, District Attorney Katz proudly accepted the endorsement of a union headed by someone who endangered DiFiore and her family and publicly referred to her with a sexist and misogynistic slur. The level of hypocrisy is striking.

District Attorney Katz needs to remember that she is the chief law enforcement officer of Queens. She needs to set an example that the types of actions and sexist language described herein will not be tolerated from anyone for any purpose. I have the highest respect for our court officers who work to protect the judiciary and the courts everyday. As difficult as it is, we must acknowledge that it is President Quirk who plays a leading role with respect to NYSCOA endorsement decisions. Those who seek or accept such an endorsement must consider the source.”

Judge Grasso was most recently the Administrative Judge of Queens Supreme Court, Criminal Term. He stepped down from the bench on August 31, 2022 to run for Queens District Attorney.