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A New York Supreme Court judge caught on camera shoving a police officer during a shirtless confrontation over a parking spot will soon be replaced on the bench. The Erie County District Attorney’s Office chose not to file charges against the judge, as he did not physically tackle or punch anyone, only giving a “shoulder shove”.

Judge Mark Grisanti, an acting state Supreme Court justice in Buffalo, did not appear on the list of 25 judicial nominees sent by Governor Kathy Hochul to the state Senate Judiciary Committee for consideration on Wednesday, according to the New York Post.

Grisanti, who has been serving in the court’s 8th District since 2018, will remain in his position until a new judge is appointed.

He has been a “holdover” on the court since his term expired last July 2023, waiting for his replacement.

The incident that led to the shirtless judge’s downfall occurred on June 23, 2020, when the Buffalo Police Department was called to Grisanti’s home following a heated argument over parking with his neighbours, Joseph and Gina Mele, reported the New York Post.

Grisanti believed the Meles were encroaching on his driveway, which led to an altercation between the families.

During the confrontation, Grisanti’s wife, Maria, was handcuffed and taken to the ground.

The shirtless judge then allegedly threatened the officers, and said, “You better get off my wife,” and shoved one of them.

Grisanti also claimed to have connections with Mayor Byron Brown and the police force, threatening the officers with repercussions if they did not release his wife.

“You arrest my wife â€æ you’re going to be sorry,” he said, reported the New York Post.

Grisanti was handcuffed and placed in the back of a squad car. He later apologised for his actions.

The Erie County District Attorney’s Office chose not to file charges against him after weeks of review.

Police Captain Jeff Rinaldo explained that the decision was made because Grisanti did not physically tackle or punch anyone, only giving a “shoulder shove”.

The New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct voted to censure Grisanti for his “especially poor judgement”.

The commission’s vote was six-four in favour of censure but narrowly rejected the recommendation for his removal from office.

The commission also criticised Grisanti for participating in legal cases involving an attorney who had made payments to him as part of a business deal, reported the New York Post.

Despite these controversies, Grisanti’s attorney, Terrence Connors, defended his client, describing him as an exemplary judge.

“Lawyers and judges who best know his work want him to continue on the bench,” Connors said.