The state’s parole board has decided to postpone its ruling on the potential release of David McClary, who is known for killing NYPD officer Edward Byrne in 1988, until after the primary on June 24th.
Last month, a 16-member board was expected to discuss whether McClary, a convicted gang member, should be granted parole. Byrne, a rookie officer aged just 22, was shot multiple times while seated in his patrol car in Queens.
Now, it seems the board won’t deliberate on McClary’s release until July, according to sources.
If granted freedom, McClary, now 59, would become the 44th individual convicted of killing a police officer to be released over the last eight years, as noted in a prior report.
Curtis Sliwa, a Republican candidate for mayor and founder of Guardian Angels, suggested that the delay is likely a move to sidestep potential backlash against the Democratic mayor, as McClary’s release could attract negative media attention.
“It makes sense since they still have a majority on the board,” Sliwa stated. “He doesn’t want this to be an issue; it’s like a dagger in his political strategy as he runs on a law and order platform.”
According to Sliwa, many New Yorkers are unaware of how many police killers have been released by the board set up by former Governor Cuomo.
Councilman Robert Holden, a Democrat from Queens, aligns with some Republican views and expressed that the decision to delay the vote seems driven by political motives as the primary draws near.
“This is an affront to the memories of our fallen officers and shows that Cuomo prioritizes his ambitions over public safety,” Holden remarked.
Former Governor Cuomo has appointed or reappointed 11 of the current 16 members of the state parole board.
The parole board has not responded to requests for comment.
Jason Elan, a spokesman for Cuomo, dismissed Sliwa’s assumptions, labeling them as mere conspiracy theories and avoiding elaboration on the situation.
