A federal magistrate judge acquits Democratic congressional candidate Brad Lander of misdemeanor obstruction-related charges stemming from a September protest at a New York City federal facility connected to immigration detention. NBC News and PBS NewsHour report that prosecutors alleged Lander obstructed an elevator while he sat in front of it for about 20 to 25 minutes during an attempted inspection of the facility in Manhattan. The judge rules that the government did not meet its burden, and Lander is found not guilty. The Independent similarly describes the case as a misdemeanor obstruction matter arising from the protest last September and notes the acquittal by the magistrate judge. After the ruling, NBC News reports Lander comments on the outcome and describes feeling reassured by the legal process. New York Post also reports on his reaction in the courtroom, describing him as emotional following the decision. The acquittal ends the criminal case related to the incident. The reporting does not indicate that any other charges were upheld in connection with the protest.