Philip Sean Grillo says his arrest and incarceration following the Jan. 6 Capitol protest transformed him into an advocate for government accountability and individual rights.
The Marine veteran and father of three is now running for the New York State Assembly in the 26th District on a platform centered on public safety, affordability, government accountability, and America First principles.
Grillo, a resident of Queens in the 23rd Assembly District, spoke with the South Shore Press during former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani’s 82nd birthday party at the America First Warehouse in Ronkonkoma.
“I went to the Capitol to protest the stolen election against President Trump and wound up in jail for two months,” Grillo said. He was later pardoned by the president and has filed a $100 million lawsuit against the federal government, alleging mistreatment by the Biden administration.
“The whole ordeal was so abusive,” Grillo recounted. “They physically mistreated me and trampled all over my rights. It’s really scary that a government can do this to its own people.”
Grillo said a heavily armed swat team arrested him at his home and that he was later housed with a convicted murderer while awaiting trial.
“What I went through was political overreach, plain and simple, and no American should ever have to face a system that targets people for their beliefs instead of their actions.”
He said the experience reinforced his commitment to public service and individual liberties.
The candidate supports ending New York’s cashless bail law and repealing the state’s sanctuary policies, saying government resources should be directed toward citizens, not illegal immigrants.
He is calling for the repeal of New York City’s Local Law 97, which imposes emissions standards on large buildings, arguing that the measure places excessive costs on property owners and tenants. He also wants greater oversight of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, saying taxpayers and commuters deserve transparency and accountability from the multi-billion dollar agency.
Grillo also believes schools should focus on academic achievement, civic responsibility, and preparing students for success while ensuring that parents have a stronger voice in their children’s education.