NEW YORK — A confrontation between New York City Department of Correction officials occurred Tuesday night at Gracie Mansion during a Hispanic Heritage event, with the agency’s top spokeswoman throwing a cellphone belonging to a senior colleague, according to video footage.
The video shows Annais Morales, press secretary for the Department of Correction, seizing the cellphone from Mariam Singh, the department’s health and safety compliance director, and then hurling it across the room. The incident unfolded in front of attendees gathered for the event, which was hosted by Mayor Eric Adams.
The confrontation reportedly began with a verbal dispute, although the cause of the disagreement remains unclear. In the video, the exchange escalates as Morales grabs the device from Singh’s hand and forcefully throws it. It is not apparent from the footage what preceded the physical interaction.
Neither Morales nor Singh has publicly commented on the incident. The Department of Correction has not released a statement addressing the matter or confirming whether any disciplinary action will be taken.
The event continued after the altercation, though several attendees reportedly expressed concern over the conduct of the officials involved. Gracie Mansion, the mayor’s official residence, regularly hosts events to honor the city’s diverse communities.
