New York Dem accused of ‘staged’ arrest after being released by federal authorities within hours

New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, a Democrat, has been released after being held for only a few hours for allegedly assaulting an immigration official on Tuesday. 

While Lander, who is running for mayor of New York City, is now being held up as a hero by many progressives, some say his arrest was more political theater than activism.

Joe Borelli, a former New York City councilman and GOP political operative, told Fox News Digital that he believes Lander’s arrest was a "staged event."

"Election day is a week from today, and early voting has begun. Make no mistake, the purpose was to get the headlines that he's getting," said Borelli. "It’s instant name recognition and establishing even stronger liberal bona fides."