New York City’s pro-criminal policies are undeniably resulting in the loss of innocent lives.
Rivera’s record and history are as follows: he has been arrested eight times in New York City. In December 2023, he made a distress call to 911, expressing suicidal thoughts.
During his time in custody from February to October of this year, he physically attacked both a police officer and a staff member at a hospital psychiatric ward. Additionally, Rivera faced multiple arrests in New Jersey and had been released on bail at the time of his stabbing rampage.
Ramon Rivera’s repeated release into society despite his evident unfitness showcased a series of flawed decisions made by New York City. Prosecutors, judges, and legislators all played a part in this disastrous outcome, with their choices regarding bail, homelessness, mental illness, and crime.
The refusal of these individuals to keep dangerous criminals behind bars ultimately led to the loss of three innocent lives at the hands of a violent and mentally unstable homeless man who clearly demonstrated his inability to function within society.
Just a day later, there was an armed robbery that escalated into a police shootout in Queens. Gary Worthy, the suspect, opened fire on NYPD officers, resulting in the officers shooting and killing him. Unfortunately, during the incident, an NYPD officer and a bystander who happened to be walking out of Target were also shot.
Worthy’s criminal history can be traced back to 1994 when he faced murder charges, ultimately pleading guilty to manslaughter. After serving 12 years for attempted criminal possession of a weapon, criminal possession of a controlled substance, and burglary, he was released on lifetime parole in 2021.
It is worth noting that he has been arrested 17 times in the past, with his most recent arrest occurring just last Wednesday. Surprisingly, he was released without bail shortly after his arrest.
What would it take for New York Democrats to finally recognize that Worthy has become a danger to the public and is incapable of functioning in society, just like Rivera?
It is truly disheartening that a police officer and an innocent woman were shot because New York politicians failed to see that keeping a violent criminal with a long history of offenses behind bars would be the true form of justice.
When legislators, judges, and prosecutors prioritize reducing “mass incarceration” over ensuring public safety, the consequences can be dire. What was initially presented as necessary criminal justice reform for nonviolent offenders who made minor mistakes, has now been extended to include some of the most heinous and violent individuals in our society.
The responsibility for every death or shooting perpetrated by repeat offenders lies not only with the criminals themselves, but also with the political figures who repeatedly release these dangerous individuals back onto our streets.