Gabriel Acevero: "The most patriotic thing anyone can do is to pay their taxes"

Gabriel Acevero: "The most patriotic thing anyone can do is pay their taxes. And we can debate how we want to raise those taxes, whether we should raise them, and who we raise them for. But the most patriotic thing you can do is not the Pledge of Allegiance, nor singing the National Anthem, but paying your fair share in taxes."

Gabriel Acevero, a Democratic delegate from District 39 in the Maryland General Assembly since 2018, has been involved in several controversies that have attracted public and media attention.

Physical confrontation with Clint Sobratti (2024): In September 2024, Acevero and his 2022 electoral opponent, Clint Sobratti, were involved in a physical altercation in a parking lot. Both filed mutual protection orders, and Sobratti also accused one of Acevero's friends of participating in the incident. Subsequently, Sobratti filed second-degree assault charges against Acevero.

Political stances and conflicts with Democratic leadership: Acevero, known for his progressive stance, has clashed with prominent figures within the Democratic Party. During his first term, he introduced "Anton’s Law," a reform to ensure transparency in investigations of complaints against police officers, in response to the death of Anton Black in police custody. In 2020, he accused local union leaders of attempting to block this legislation, further escalating tensions.

Support for progressive policies: Acevero has been a strong advocate for progressive policies, including cannabis legalization, the implementation of a universal single-payer healthcare system, and promoting racial equity. In 2021, he supported the "Dignity Not Detention Act," which sought to prevent counties from contracting with ICE, and in 2024, he introduced a resolution urging Maryland’s congressional delegation to support a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict.

These controversies reflect the complexity of Acevero’s political career, marked by legal challenges, internal disagreements, and a commitment to policies that strengthen far-left agendas.